A number of streets in Blairgowrie have been shut off due to a gas leak in the town.
The leak in the Terminus Street area was first reported at around 2pm on Tuesday and some premises, including Tesco and its petrol station, have been evacuated as a precaution.
Gas Brae, Commercial Street and a section of Back Brae have been closed.
A Scottish Gas Networks (SGN) spokesperson said it was “too early” to state when the roads would be reopened.
A strong smell has been reported in the area.
An eyewitness said: “Police have closed three separate turn-offs towards Terminus Street as workers try to work out how to stop the leak.
“The smell gets more extreme the closer you get to the street.
“Police, fire and gas workers are on Wellmeadow, next to the Angus Hotel, diverting traffic.
“This is where the smell is at its strongest.
“This is causing traffic to drive through High Street, which is leading to long queues.”
Shops on High Street appeared to be unaffected and were trading as usual.
A spokesperson for SGN said: “Our engineers are on site dealing with third-party damage to our gas main in Terminus Street, Blairgowrie.
“To allow specialist repairs to be carried out and to ensure everyone’s safety, Gas Brae, Commercial Street and a section of Back Brae have been closed
“The nearby Tesco Superstore and petrol station have been evacuated as a precaution for safety reasons.
“At the moment, it’s too early to say when the surrounding roads will re-open.”
A spokesperson for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We have one appliance at the scene on Terminus Street in Blairgowrie.
“We received the call at 2.05pm and arrived at the scene for 2.15pm.”
Police have asked the public to avoid the area.
They have also confirmed that some closures will remain in place overnight.
Our reporters are working to bring you the latest updates on this developing story.
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