1100 hrs: Police remain at the scene of a suspected gas/chemical leak on Tuesday night.

The location appears to be a ground floor flat off the main round close to the primary school.

We have asked Essex Police for a statement.

We have not had any reports of injuries but have also asked for a statement from the ambulance service.

More follows.

2100 hrs: Statement from Fire Service

“We were called to Purford Green, Harlow today at 5.08pm to an incident potentially involving a gas leak or chemicals.

“Adjacent properties have been evacuated as a precaution and crews are using monitoring equipment”.

THE EMERGENCY services are in attendance in the Purford Green area of Harlow.

Fire, ambulance and police have sealed off a section of the road close to the primary school after 7pm this evening (Tuesday).

YH understands that this is a fire service led operation.

There were several fire, ambulance and police cars present.

Our YH reporter saw a number of briefing meetings between fire and ambulance crews.

We also understand this may be related to some form of leak but that has, as yet, to be verified.

YH has contacted the relevant press office for more information.

More follows.