California gas company promises action to capture some of leaking methane

SoCalGas says it will install equipment to lessen the escape of gas from a well but local residents attack slow response to what official called 'a mini-Chernobyl'

The owners of the blown-out natural gas well near Los Angeles said on Sunday they would install equipment to suck up and capture some of the leaking methane - amid rising anger at the potential threat to public health and the climate.

Scientists, campaign groups and residents of Porter Ranch - where schools have closed and residents been evacuated - said the gas company and California authorities were slow to recognise the magnitude of the problem, or warn locals of potential dangers.