SHOPPERS at a Newport supermarket faced chaos yesterday when firefighters were called to a leak of liquid petroleum gas from a 4x4.

Three fire engines, two police cars and two police motorcycles went to Morrisons in Rogerstone after the alarm was raised at 9am.

A spokeswoman for South Wales Fire and Rescue said the petrol station was closed off while crews contained the leak.

This meant the store's car park was also closed off with no-one able to enter the car park. Some cars, which arrived before the incident and were sealed into the car park were allowed to leave later in the morning as firefighters continued to spray water on the car.

The store remained open, with vehicles diverted to nearby roads and many customers continuing to use the shop.

John Manley of Pontypool said: "I think it's a bit of an over-reaction but then again with that kind of thing of you have to take all precautions."

Val Noble of Risca said staff should have helped shoppers carry their bags to their cars - especially the elderly.

A similar incident at the same garage happened in May 2006 when the fire service said there was no fault with the garage's equipment.

A Morrisons spokeswoman said: "Emergency services attended and the petrol station was closed as a precaution. It is now open for business as usual."