VANCOUVER – Buildings are being evacuated and police have closed down several the streets in the downtown Vancouver core because of a gas leak Wednesday.

Vancouver police say the 900 and 1000 blocks of Granville, Howe and Hornby, are shut down, as well as the 700 and 800 blocks of Nelson.

An underground gas line has been hit in a construction site in the 700 block Nelson.

Several buildings have been evacuated, including the law courts.

People are being advised to avoid the area.