FORTY people were evacuated from their homes yesterday (Wednesday) when workers drilled through a high pressure gas main in Acton.

A 200m cordon was imposed by London Fire Brigade at around 1pm and the A40 was shut down between Hanger Lane and Savoy Circus causing massive tailbacks for hours.

Forty people were taken out of their homes as a precaution because of the amount of gas leaking into the air.

They were housed temporarily in Acton Town Hall.

The leak occurred when non-gas related work was taking place in The Approach in East Acton, right near the A40.

It is thought a digger cut through the 400mm gas main causing the leak.

The North London Line was also suspended between Richmond and Willesden Junction.

Four fire engines and more than 20 firefighters attended the incident.

At the time of going to press the leak had still not been repaired.

National Grid spokesman Michael Cavanagh told the Ealing Times: "We are currently on site and have just put in a temporary repair. We now have to assess the situation and the damage to establish when the roads can be re-opened and people allowed back into their homes."

Ealing Police said they hoped the cordon would be lifted by 7pm.

There was no loss of gas supply to houses in the area.