Stephen Pitman, Wales & West Utilities Area Engineering Manager for South West England said:

“We were called to turn the gas supplies off at a fire in Cathedral Yard, Exeter, yesterday afternoon (Friday) and immediately sent a team of engineers to the scene.

“The fire had damaged gas service pipes supplying the affected properties. Our engineers worked to turn the gas supplies to those properties off and this was completed just before midday today. (Saturday) All the gas pipes in the immediate vicinity of the area have now been isolated.

“This was a complex job due to the severity of the fire and the condition of the affected buildings.

“We will continue to support the Fire & Rescue Service as required.”