Emergency gas engineers were called to Lytham St Anne's, Lancashire, after reports of a strong gassy odour on the high street raised concerns of a potential leak.
A charity shop reported the smell, prompting Cadent Gas to dispatch an engineer to investigate. Gas leaks can pose risks of fire or poisoning, leading to heightened concern among residents when the odour spreads.
Initial checks of the charity shop and a neighbouring body care outlet revealed no fault. The investigation then extended to Strong's Fruit and Veg, a greengrocer located next door.
Inside, the source of the smell was identified as several boxes of durian fruit. Native to Southeast Asia, durian is a large, yellow fruit covered in a thorny shell with a creamy interior. It is well known for its powerful and distinctive odour, which can be perceived as either sweet or unpleasant depending on the individual.
The fruit had been stored inside the shop, and its smell had permeated neighbouring businesses, leading to the mistaken alarm.
Durian, sometimes referred to as the "world's smelliest fruit," has a growing export market in Europe, though it remains a niche product. Its strong odour has led to restrictions in some public spaces across Asia, including hotels and public transport.
Source: Daily Mail