DOZENS of people will be allowed to return to their homes this afternoon, following a gas scare in Coundon, County Durham.

Police closed off Collingwood Street, the main road through Coundon, last night after a fire started shortly before 9.40pm.

The blaze was extinguished but firefighters evacuated properties after finding two gas cylinders nearby.

Fire crews set up cold water jets and sprayed the cylinder, containing acetylene, to prevent it exploding.

Residents will be allowed to return to 25 of the 30 properties evacuated by mid-afternoon, a fire service spokesman said.

Police believe the fire, which began at the rear of 29 Collingwood Street, was started deliberately.

Dave Turnbull, of Durham and Darlington Fire Brigade, said: "We consulted with the police and as part of safety procedures it was decided to close the main street through Coundon and set up a cordon around the area.

"They (acetylene cylinders) can be very dangerous. These things are so delicate when heat is involved, so we can't afford to take any risks."