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Hundreds of staff and students were evacuated from University of Otago buildings in Dunedin following a suspected gas leak.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand area commander Bailey Wells said emergency services received a call at 12.20pm, reporting a strong smell of gas in the Great King St area.

Police block off parts of nearby roads while emergency crews responded to the leak. Photo / Ben Tomsett

Six fire trucks and two Genesis Energy responders were on the scene to determine the source of the smell.

Crews responded from Roslyn, St Kilda, Lookout Point, Mosgiel and Ravensbourne.

Several buildings in the area were evacuated as a precaution, but Wells said crews made good progress and people were cleared to re-enter from around 1.45pm.

University of Otago students and staff wait outside the Hercus and Lindo Ferguson buildings after being evacuated. Photo / Ben Tomsett

Outside the Hercus and Lindo Ferguson buildings, hundreds of students and staff waited to return following the evacuation.

A University of Otago student told the Herald they had been in a lecture when the evacuation order was given due to the strong smell of gas.

Part of Hanover St was blocked, with police stationed at intersections to manage traffic.