Homes evacuated in Edinburgh street over suspected gas leak - but it turned out to be plumber flushing out pipes

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) spokeswoman said they received a call from a concerned resident about a "strong smell of sulphur" coming from another flat in a building in Polwarth Gardens, at about 11:25am.

The spokeswoman said three appliances were sent to the scene as a precaution, and it was established the smell was due to a plumber carrying out work in a neaby flat by flushing out pipes with sulphuric acid.

Pictures on social media showed a SFRS specialist crew which deals with hazardous incidents at the scene, and police and the Scottish Ambulance Service were also notified.

The spokeswoman confirmed nearby properties were evacuated given the nature of the report.

Fire crews left the scene just before 12:50pm after establishing there was no danger.