Eighteen Coalville homes had to be evacuated this evening (Wednesday) after a gas leak was discovered during a house fire.

Three fire crews - two from Coalville and one from Ashby - were called out to the blaze in Cropston Drive.

A collection of furniture to the side of house had a caught fire with flames spreading to the downstairs of the house.

But Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service say a gas leak was then detected - and that meant nearby homes had to be evacuated.

In the meantime, a dog was rescued from the property as firefighters tackled the blaze using breathing apparatus.

Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service provided more details of the incident and said: "Several calls received to reports of fire seen at rear of property.

"Large amount of household furniture were involved at the side of house, which had also caught alight to ground and first floor of domestic property.

"Two breathing apparatus and two hose reels were in use.

"One dog was rescued by Fire Service, and it is fit and well.

"A gas leak was then discovered, 18 properties were evacuated.

"Cadent Gas attended and isolated the leak."

A spokeswoman for Leicestershire Police added: We received a call at 5.12pm by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) to a report of a fire in Cropston Drive, Coalville.

"The fire started in rear garden shed and subsequently spread to a house.

"Due to the nature of the fire, LFRS raised concerns about a potential gas leak and a number of households were evacuated for their safety.

"Fortunately, the fire was quickly brought under control and the concerns around the gas leak were managed by LFRS and gas engineers.

"Residents were allowed back into their homes later in the evening.

"The cause of the fire remains under investigation however early enquiries suggest it is not suspicious."