A GWENT industrial estate was closed off and workers evacuated following a seven-hour gas leak yesterday.

Wern industrial estate in Rogerstone was cordoned off by police officers at about 11.15am yesterday.

It is believed a digger operator accidentally dug down into a mains pipe, causing it to crack.

A loud hissing sound could be heard as workers were cleared from the site. The leak was finally stopped at around 6.15pm.

Cars were pushed off the estate with their ignitions turned off as a safety precaution.

Police officers diverted traffic and instructed people to switch off mobile phones.

Construction company Carter Lauren had been clearing the ground ready to build a footpath.

Contract worker Jason Williams, from Pill, said the digger was breaking up a concrete slab when it accidentally cut through the pipe.

Delivery lorries were forced to park nearby, waiting for the all-clear.

Children and staff from Ezeeeplay indoor play centre were evacuated from the site. Some workers, such as those at Avana bakery, stayed on.

Gas company Wales and West Utility carried out repairs to the damaged pipe, outside Warburtons.

A spokesman from Wales and West Utility said only a minimal amount of gas escaped, and it did not pose a threat.

He said yesterday: "Safety is of utmost importance to us, and as a precautionary measure we restricted traffic flow and let traffic through in batches. However, we are currently working with the highways department at the local council to arrange an alternative access route through the residential cul-de-sac on the estate.

"We have cordoned off the area in which we are working and the leak does not pose any health risks.

"We would like to apologise to people for any inconvenience which may have been caused.

"Customers with inquiries should contact Wales and West Utilities on 0800 111 999."

After a seven-hour clear-up operation, the estate was re-opened last night and is open to traffic today.