Explosive vapours leaked for nearly four hours after the incident in Dumbarton Road, Thornwood.

As fears grew of a possible explosion, police cleared the buildings and closed the normally busy road.

Families, including babies, young children, and pensioners, had to hurriedly leave their homes after being told to collect their belongings and move out immediately.

It is understood the utility firm was carrying out repairs on the road when the gas pipe burst.

Emergency services were called after residents noticed an "overpowering" stench of gas about 10am yesterday.

About 120 properties, including flats, shops, restaurants and cafes, were immediately evacuated.

All properties between 652 and 678 Dumbarton Road, and a block of flats in nearby Thornwood Avenue, were emptied of residents and workers.

Sheila Nolan, 69, told how she and husband James, 79, were ordered out by police.

She said: "The police banged on the door and told me we needed to get out because of the strong smell of gas.

"We have been out of our home since this morning and have no idea when we will be allowed back in."

Student Steph Deeks, 22, said: "I have just arrived home and was meant to be working on my dissertation tonight, but I have friends I can stay with."

James Walker, 82, and his wife Margaret, 86, were among those evacuated.

Other residents, including 22-year-old Adam MacNeil, only discovered the scare when they arrived home from work.

A temporary base for those who were evacuated was set up in the Kelvin Hall.

Drivers faced long delays after police cordoned off Dumbarton Road between Broomhill Drive and Exeter Drive, closing it to all traffic.

DIVERSIONS were put in place from around 10.30am, but as the road is a main route for buses that meant numerous services were affected.

Scottish Gas Networks, which is responsible for gas repairs on roads, was called to the scene and a team of engineers was still working today to repair the leak.

A large part of the road was fenced off and a massive hole dug to reach the pipes.

A spokeswoman said: "We received a report of a gas leak about 10.10am.

"After initial investigations, we discovered a utility company disturbed the pipes under Dumbarton Road.

"It is not yet clear what utility firm was involved.

"Our engineers are working to repair the damage and secure the leak.

"Engineers will carry out safety tests on the properties and surrounding areas before allowing any residents to return."

Residents were then allowed back to their homes around 7pm last night after being given the all-clear by emergency services.

For some it meant they had been out of their properties for around nine hours.

Scottish Gas Networks, which is responsible for gas repairs on roads, was called to the scene yesterday morning. A spokeswoman said: "A contractor working on behalf of Scottish Water reported damage to a gas pipe.

"Engineers began repairs and road reopened around 1.15pm yesterday afternoon. Our engineers carried out safety tests on the properties and surrounding areas before allowing any residents to return."

rebecca.gray@ heraldandtimes.co.uk

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