CUSTOMERS had to be turned away from a Post Office in Eastcote after a gas leak made the area unsafe.

People turning up to send their Christmas cards and collect their pensions from the Post Office, in Field End Road, this morning (Thursday) found the doors closed.

They remained shut all day and it remains unclear when customers will be able to return.

A Post Office spokesperson said: "We can confirm that the Eastcote Post Office was closed today due to a gas leak.

"This is now being investigated by the gas provider and we apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused.

"We are doing all we can to reopen the office as soon as possible."