Buildings on the Canterbury campus of the University of Kent have been evacuated because of a gas leak this afternoon.

Staff and students have been warned to keep windows closed following reports of the leak, which was caused by a contractor cutting through a pipe.

The Eliot, Rutherford, Library and Senate buildings were evacuated and gas experts from Transco called to the campus.

A university spokesman says the leak has been contained but windows should remain closed because of the strong gas odour.