Residents of a Highlands village were placed on lockdown after a major gas leak during construction of a new railway bridge.

Almost 200 children were forced to remain at their primary school in Muir of Ord while gas engineers examined the scene.

Worried parents were warned not to approach the school as police set up a cordon, creating an exclusion zone, as fears of an explosion grew.

Several fire engines, six police cars and engineers were in attendance. It is believed the damage could have been caused during construction of a new railway bridge in the Ross-shire village.

Staff at the nearby Tarradale Primary School were instructed to keep pupils in the premises until the leak had been repaired.

Traffic was also prevented from travelling on nearby streets, while trains were also disrupted.

Gas engineers deemed the village safe at 4.30pm but some residents were left without their gas supply.

A police spokeswoman said: "Police and partner agencies received a report at around 2pm of a gas leak in Muir of Ord, situated near the railway bridge.

"Members of the local community were advised to stay in their homes and close windows and doors until the matter was resolved.

"At around 4.30pm, cordons around the area were lifted and the area deemed safe.

"Pupils at Tarradale Primary School and Dingwall Academy, who reside in the Muir of Ord area, were kept in school but have since been allowed home.

"Roads around the Muir of Ord area were closed, with diversions in place for road users. There were disruptions to local transport services, however, all services have since been restored.

"Engineers have switched off the gas line to allow for repairs, however, this will mean that some homes will be without gas until the service can be safely restored.

"With the lack of gas to homes in the area, partner agencies would encourage members of the local community to check in on elderly and vulnerable neighbours to ensure they have all the necessary provisions required."