RESIDENTS were evacuated from their Poole flat complex, amid concerns of a possible gas explosion.

Neighbours at Herbert Court, Herbert Avenue, Rossmore, were told to leave their homes shortly after police were called to one of the flats after concerns were raised about the safety of its occupant.

Worried residents were led away from the building and told to wait behind a cordon while firefighters and gas engineers made the area safe.

The drama unfolded around 8.30am, when Dorset Police first responded to a concern for welfare call.

One man was taken to hospital for treatment.

A resident, who asked not to be named, told the Daily Echo: "Firemen came into the flats and checked them all out. They told me to leave the building as a precaution, I could smell gas."

Dorset Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS), police and ambulance attended the scene.

Speaking shortly after the incident, a police spokesman confirmed: "Dorset Police attended an address along Herbert Avenue, Poole, at 8.33am following the concern for welfare of a man.

"Fire and ambulance attended and the man was taken to hospital for treatment.

"A number of residents in the vicinity were evacuated as a precaution following possible gas exposure.

"It has now been made safe and residents have since returned to their homes."

Residents were allowed back into their homes around an hour-and-a-half after being evacuated.

A spokesman from Poole Housing Partnership (PHP), which manages Herbert Court, said staff worked with the gas company to ensure the building was safe, so residents were able to return to their homes as quickly as possible.

"We will continue to support the police, and local residents, as the cause is investigated,” said the spokesman.

Meanwhile, Chloe Boyce, from gas distribution company SGN, told the Echo: "A number of properties had been evacuated by the police by the time we arrived.

"We visited one flat to isolate the gas supply and make the area safe.

"If any members of the public do smell gas they should call the National Gas Emergency Number on 0800 111 999."