A GAS leak and fire which saw around seven streets evacuated is being treated as suspicious.

A police officer on patrol at 4.25 this morning saw flames coming from a gas pipe supplying an end of terrace home in Upper Newborough Street in the Clifton area.

It is believed the fire was started in a pile of rubbish in an alleyway which then spread to the gas pipe supplying the home.

Detective Sergeant Clive Rich, of York CID, said: “We are treating the incident as suspicious and are appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything in the area overnight. We appreciate the time of day means that not many people will have been around. However, we appeal to any residents one who heard or saw anyone in the area, or any people who may have been in the Clifton area at the time and saw anyone acting suspiciously to get in touch.

“We are currently carrying out door-to-door enquiries in the area and checking CCTV footage. Anyone who can help is asked to call York CID on 0845 6060247.”

The fire service and gas engineers were called to the scene and a 200-metre cordon placed around the area leading to residents living in the surrounding streets being evacuated and taken to local schools and cloubs.

Most were allowed to return at 6am today.