SEVEN people were treated for the effects of carbon monoxide after a gas leak at a home in Southampton.

Firefighters, police and paramedics last night rushed to the detached family home in Richmond Road, Freemantle.

The road was blocked off after a gas leak was detected at the home on Saturday.

Two young children of around pre-school age were taken to hospital for checks.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue say a total of seven people were treated for the effects of carbon monoxide.

A spokesperson said: “Two adults and three children went to hospital by ambulance.

“The gas board isolated and capped the gas supply.

“All adjoining properties were tested but cleared.”

The father of the two children said he had suspected a leak and called emergency services. 

He added: "We came out of the house and went to hospital to check the kids. The police came because they saw the lights in the street."

Witnesses, who said the incident happened around 9.45pm last night, said it "seemed like a major incident".

At first they reported seeing armed police at the scene.

They added: "There were ambulances, police, incident support and armed police there."

The Echo has contacted Hampshire Police for details.

SGN have also been contacted for more information, as have South Central Ambulance Service.