School evacuated during gas leak

Parents were asked to collect their children at Good Shepherd Primary School around lunchtime after workers in the area damaged a gas pipe.

The police, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Phoenix Gas were all called to the scene after the incident which happened just after midday.

Two appliances from Cadogan Fire Station and the Operational Support unit from Whitla Fire Station along with another appliance attended the incident. Fire crews put a 50 metre cordon in place and Phoenix Gas isolated the gas supply.

The children had to stand at the furthest point of the playground as parents were alerted and asked to collect their children. By shortly after 1pm the area was declared safe and the children were able to return to school.

Phoenix spokesman Simon Little urged contract workers to call their helpline before carrying out any work.

"We can confirm that a third party contractor, not working for Phoenix, caused damage to a gas service at Good Shepherd Primary School in Dunmurry" he said.

"Our engineers made the area safe on arrival and then worked to complete the necessary repairs. We are continuing to urge construction workers to contact us to request plans of gas pipe locations before they start digging anywhere within the gas licence area. The dedicated Phoenix 'Dial Before You Dig' help line is 02890 555819."