A Basildon shop was evacuated by firefighters after a strong smell of gas which was thought to be coming from a fridge.

Emergency services were called to the store, believed to be Co-op, in Butneys yesterday morning and one person was taken to hospital.

The fire service says it's suspected the "strong smell of gas" was coming from a fridge.

An Essex Fire Service spokesman said: "Firefighters were called to reports of a strong smell of gas inside a shop.

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"When fire crews arrived they ensured all staff and customers were outside safely and investigated the source of the gas which they suspected was coming from one of the refrigerators.

"One person was taken to hospital as a precaution after feeling the effects of breathing in the gas.

"The incident was left in the care of the shop and a qualified refrigerator engineer by 11:50am."

Co-op has been contacted for comment.