THERE were road closures in place on Tuesday afternoon as repairs to a ruptured gas pipe were carried out.

The fire and rescue service, police and engineers from gas network Cadent attended Marshalls Cross Road, shortly after 3.30pm on September 10.

A gas pipe had ruptured, which was capped by engineers while repairs took place.

Fire crews left the scene after around three hours.

Road closures were in place in the area for several hours yesterday.

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A Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) spokeswoman said: "MFRS was in attendance at an incident at Marshalls Cross Road, St Helens yesterday, Tuesday, September 10, following reports of a gas leak.

"Crews were alerted at 3.38pm and two fire engines were on scene at 3.47pm. On arrival, crews found a gas pipe had ruptured and laid out a main branch hose as a precaution.

"Merseyside Police managed a cordon while Cadent engineers made the site safe by temporarily capping the gas pipe.

"Cadent remained on site to effect full repair of the ruptured pipe.

"Fire crews left the scene at 6.42pm."

Ian Royal, Cadent’s customer operations area manager for St Helens, said: "We were called to reports of third-party damage to a gas main in Marshalls Cross Road yesterday afternoon (Tuesday).

"Our engineers arrived on-site quickly and brought everything under control. 

"The police took the understandable safety-first approach to close roads, while this work was done.

"Incidents like these are a reminder that, if you ever smell gas or notice damage to gas pipes, act fast and call the national gas emergency service immediately, day or night, on 0800 111 999."

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of St Helens. Please get in touch at simon.mulligan@newsquest.co.uk