AlmostĀ 200 schoolchildren are locked in their primary school after a major gas leak shut down a Highland town.
Several fire engines, six police cars and gas engineers descended on Muir of Ord, 13 miles from Inverness after a major gas mains was ruptured.
It is believed it may have been caused during construction of a new railway bridge in the Ross-shire town.
UPDATE: Workers seal off major Highland gas leak
The nearby Tarradale Primary School was instructed to keep its pupils in the premises until the leak had been repaired.
Worried parents were not allowed to approach the school as police set up a cordon, thus creating an exclusion zone as fears of an explosion grew.
Traffic was also prevented from travelling on nearby streets.
Roads through and around Muir of Ord have been closed.
A diversion is possible via the B9169 and A835 to bypass.
ScotRail has said services between Inverness and Wick, Kyle of Lochalsh, Dingwall, Ardgay could be delayed or cancelled because of the leak.
National Rail enquiries said train services between Inverness and Dingwall would be suspended until at least 16:00.
One eye witness said: “It is really frightening. The gas escape can be heard yards away from its source and it sounds like a great waterfall.
“Muir of Ord is like a ghost town as nearby buildings and shops have been evacuated and the local petrol station a few yards along the road has been closed.”
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “People areĀ advised to remain indoors with their windows and doors closed. The school is keeping its pupils within the premises as a safety precaution and Scottish Gas engineers are working on the problem.”
H/land (2/2) Muir of Ord. Unfortunately, this means we are unable to service Muir, Conon Br and Maryburgh on our service 28's. Apologies.
— StagecoachNScot (@StagecoachNScot) February 10, 2016
Roads around Muir of Ord are closed at this time whilst emergency services and utility services attend at the scene of the gas leak.
— NorthernPolice (@northernPolice) February 10, 2016
We have been informed of a gas leak in Muir of Ord near the railway bridge. No call to evacuate but advice is to keep windows & doors shut.
— NorthernPolice (@northernPolice) February 10, 2016
Hmmm probably best to stay away from Muir of Ord this afternoon! #biggasleak
— Helen (@ripplescrafts) February 10, 2016
Police have advised #MuirofOrd residents to stay indoors due to gas leak at railway bridge. Children being kept in school for now.
— The Highland Council (@HighlandCouncil) February 10, 2016
More follows.