The Kent and Sussex Courier is no stranger to reporting fires and explosions – but just before its latest deadline it found itself at the centre of a story.

Just before 2pm on Thursday, the fire brigade were called to a DIY store in Tunbridge Wells following a reported gas leak.

Gas was found to be spewing from the main supply and a grass verge was set alight, causing the nearby Courier offices to be evacuated.

News editor Melanie Whittaker said: “I looked out of the window at about 1.45pm and saw the fire and dashed over there with my camera to see what was happening.

“Then at about 2.45pm we were all evacuated from the building and were only allowed back in to get our bags.”

As the gas company and the fire brigade worked around the clock to re-route the gas supply and seal a leaking pipe, all businesses within a 200m radius of the leak were evacuated.

Staff at the Courier were not allowed to return to work until the following morning after the fire was put out.

Melanie said: “It was all quite exciting really and thankfully no one was hurt.

“We managed to get a big spread on it in Friday’s paper.”

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]