A gas cloud triggered the evacuation of homes and offices in Salford.
The fire service was alerted to three separate reports of leaking gas in the city within fifteen minutes today.
The first was at 2.20pm when a strong smell of gas was detected in the Churchill Way area of Pendleton.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "As a precaution we evacuated a medical centre, job centre, and religious building.
"Tests were carried out in all three premises but no gas was detected."
The next report was at 2.27pm in Dakota Avenue at Salford City College's Future Skills Centre.
Students and staff were evacuated from the college and people from nearby buildings.
The fire brigade again carried out an investigation and established that there was no leak.
At 2.34pm the final report came from residents living in Strawberry Road, Pendleton.
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A brigade spokesman said: "Several properties in the road were evacuated and tests carried out.
"But there was no trace of gas."
He added that it was suspected a "gas cloud" that had passed over the city.
Salford City Council later tweeted: "Pendleton Gateway and buildings nearby were evacuated at approximately 3pm due to a suspected gas leak."
Just before 4.30pm, they added: "Pendleton Gateway has been given the all clear for staff to return to the building.
"Services will be back up and running in the next few minutes."
