CROOKS who tried to steal copper pipes caused a gas leak in central Clacton forcing residents to be evacuated from their homes.
Fire crews cordoned off Wellesley Road at 12:30pm and a 200 metre exclusion zone was put in place until engineers arrived to make the property safe.
Around 20 homes were evacuated and vulnerable residents unable to leave were advised to stay at the back of their house.
FOR MORE DETAILS SEE TUESDAY'S GAZETTE
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