A gas leak in Harold Hill that forced 80 people to evacuate their homes was caused by a car driving into a betting shop.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that a car was driven into a "commercial premises" on Petersfield Avenue at around 4.20am this morning (September 5), causing a gas leak.

Footage on Facebook shows a Ladbrokes on the road with smashed windows, and police tape still in front of the shop at midday today.

Around 80 residents had to evacuate their homes, and were not able to return until 6am

Gas engineers remained at the scene after the evacuation to repair the pipe. An investigation is underway.

Gas company Cadent said that the gas escaped after the car "damaged a gas pipe on the outside of a building".

A Cadent spokesperson said: "Our engineers were able to stop the gas escape quickly. 

"Our engineers remained on site to carry out the repair to the gas pipe, once the police had completed their investigation on site.

"The gas supply at the property should be restored later today."

Police are also investigating a burglary at the premises in connection with the incident.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "At 4.23am on Thursday, September 5, police were called to reports of a car having driven into the front of the building causing a gas leak that resulted in the evacuation of around 80 residents.

"An investigation is underway by detectives from the Met’s East Area Command and enquiries are ongoing.

"At this early stage there have been no arrests."

Emergency services including ambulance crews and a fire engine from Harold Hill Fire Station were called to Petersfield Avenue at around 4.30am.

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said there were "no patients requiring care" and its crews were later stood down.

Anyone with information or footage of the incident should call 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting 935/5SEP. 

To remain anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.