Roads were closed and the electricity briefly turned off in Nicosia’s Engomi on Sunday night when the fire service responded to a reported leak of gas at a restaurant.

The fire service evacuated the restaurant, while the police were called to cordon off the area near the Hilton hotel for safety reasons and to allow the safe removal of the leaking cylinders.

The fire brigade stopped the leakage from six 500l tanks with the support of technicians from the EKO company.

As part of the safety measures taken, part of Griva Digenis Avenues was closed to traffic and other nearby streets were also closed.

In cooperation with the Electricity Authority, there was a temporary cutting of power in the area, which also saw traffic lights out of action.

The fire service said firemen would stay on site until the gas disperses and the cylinders can be removed.

The causes of the leak will be examined at a later stage.