Hundreds of people were evacuated from their homes after a “huge” gas leak in Penge.

Emergency services and the Red Cross were called to the Penge Lane and Queen Adelaide Road area shortly after 10.30pm on Saturday (January 2).

Gas distribution firm SGN had been carrying out repairs to the broken gas main but had suspended work for Christmas.

Residents took shelter at four reception centres as the surrounding roads were cordoned off by police.

Bromley Met Police officers (@MPSBromley) tweeted: “Huge gas leak Penge Lane/Queen Adelaide Road. Houses being evacuated. Please avoid this area.”

Another tweet read: “Road closures remain in place in #Penge. Four reception centres housing evacuees. Community spirit pulling through. Updates to follow.”

The "overwhelming" sound of the gas leak can be heard in a video, which was also shared by officers on social media.

The policing team continued to post updates on Twitter throughout the night, including one photo of an evacuated couple wearing slippers accompanied by their dog.

“Delighted but cold residents start returning to their homes in #Penge… Christmas slippers coming in useful,” the tweet said.

London Ambulance Service paramedics and the Hazardous Area Response Team, and London Fire Brigade, remained on standby throughout the night but no-one was injured during the incident.

This Is Local London:

London Ambulance Service teams remained on standby throughout the night (Photo by @LAS_HART)

Residents were allowed to return to their homes at around 5am on Sunday.

A statement on the Penge and Cator councillors website said it is understood all but seven families returned to their homes by 5am with the others put up in a local hotel. 

Police tweeted between 400 and 500 residents had been affected but SGN later said only around 150 people had been evacuated. 

SGN spokesperson Hannah Brett said: “It is still too early to say what caused the gas escape on Saturday night however a full investigation is under way.

“In the meantime we would like to assure residents that the gas pipe which suffered the escape has now been permanently repaired.

“We have been carrying out work in this area since the summer in two separate locations.

"Due to the complexity of the work required, we’ve had to undertake the two jobs consecutively which is why we’ve had a presence in the area since the summer.

"Throughout our work we’ve aimed to minimise its impact.

"Both sites have been regularly monitored to ensure the safety of the public.

"Work on the second job in Penge Lane has resumed today after being suspended over Christmas to minimise disruption to residents.

“We’d like to apologise for the inconvenience caused during Saturday’s night evacuation and remind everyone that the 24 hour National Gas Emergency number is 0800 111 999.”

Have you been affected by the gas leak? Email harriet.collier@london.newsquest.co.uk.