CHESTER Street in Wrexham was closed today while emergency services dealt with a fire. caused by a damaged gas pipe.

The fire broke out just after 1.10pm at Crown Buildings, home of the county courts and which until recently hosted the Wrexham police counter service, on Buildings on Bodhyfryd.

The building was evacuated but it is not believe that anyone has been hurt.

Wrexham town's policing team say officers are assisting the fire service and road closures are in place.

The road was closed between Powell Road and Holt Street.

Police said: "Please avoid the area whilst the situation is ongoing."

Steve Watts, Wales & West Utilities Area Business Manager for North Wales said: “We were alerted to reports of a fire at a property in the Chester Street area of Wrexham this afternoon (22 October) and immediately sent a team investigate.

“On arrival, we found that a third-party contractor working in the area had damaged a gas pipe, resulting in a fire. As a precaution, the emergency services closed Chester Street.

“The fire has now been extinguished and we are repairing the damaged gas pipe.

“We would encourage everyone in the construction industry to make sure they know if there are gas pipes where they are working.  Phone Wales & West Utilities first on 029 2027 8912 or go to www.wwutilities.co.uk/dig.

"If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night. Before visiting, we'll ask you to let us know if you or anyone in your household, is experiencing Coronavirus symptoms or self-isolating. We'll still come and help you: but our teams will take some additional precautions to keep us all safe."