A BRIDPORT supermarket has reopened after it was evacuated following a suspected gas leak.

Firefighters were called to the Waitrose store in West Street on Wednesday morning, with customers and staff forced to leave the building while the premises were made safe.

Emergency services left the scene shortly before 10am, with the store re-opened later, just before 11.30am.

Bridport fire station watch manager Steve Pask, said: “We responded to a small gas leak at the rear of the building.

“It was resolved by Southern Gas Network and it probably seemed a lot worse than it actually was.”

Southern Gas Network were called to the scene, but confirmed the incident did not involve a mains gas leak.

A Waitrose spokesperson said: "The emergency services and engineers have attended, and have advised that the branch can re-open. 

“We have shut off the gas supply and we will carry out further tests as a precaution. We are grateful for the swift response of everyone involved and to our customers for their understanding."

A spokesperson for Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said: “We received an alert at 8.13am to a suspected gas leak at the Waitrose store in West Street, Bridport.

“Two crews from Bridport Fire Station attended and checked the whole store using specialist gas monitoring equipment. Initial investigations confirmed a leak.

“The gas board attended and carried out a full check of the premises and outside.”

Vincent Wire was in the store when he was asked to leave.

He said: “It was a bit of a shock, but I guess they can’t take any risks.

“The shop wasn’t very busy when we were evacuated and I’m just glad everyone was ok and that they got out safely.”

Rose Holton, a regular Waitrose customer was surprised that the store had been closed.

She said: “You don’t see a fire engine with the blue lights flashing every day, so I think everyone was getting a bit excited.

“They always say that if there is a gas leak, you have to get out straight away – so I’m glad they didn’t take any risks.”