FIRE Crews were called to Tesco's 24 hour superstore in West Thurrock after a strong smell of gas was detected this morning.

The store and surrounding area in Cygnet View was evacuated and crews stood by with a covering jet in case the gas ignited.

They called for gas engineers to attend the incident and isolate the leak.

Firefighters remained at the store until 11am until the leaking pipe was made safe.