Suspicious containers found on property in Venice prompting evacuations

(FOX 11/CNS) - Suspicious containers found at a property in a residential neighborhood in Venice prompted a hazardous materials investigation and evacuations Monday afternoon.

Firefighters responded about 1:35 p.m. to a report of a natural gas leak in the area before the containers were found at 2013 S. Calgrove Ave., prompting a hazardous materials investigation, according to Margaret Stewart of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Police said a bomb squad was called out, but details about what was found were not immediately available.

According to report from the scene, a gas line at or near the property had been intentionally cut. Surrounding homes were evacuated as a precaution, Stewart said.

Walgrove was closed to traffic between Palms Boulevard and Victoria Avenue.

Stewart said LAFD personnel were at the scene "to mitigate the potential safety hazard only" and referred further questions to police.

The Southern California Gas Co. was also summoned.

No injuries were reported.