Vic pub emptied by deliberate gas leak

A country Victorian pub had to be evacuated after someone deliberately emptied a gas bottle.

Police say there could have been a tragedy if the gas had ignited, but fortunately patrons at the Alexandra Hotel in Alexandra, northeast of Melbourne, noticed the smell.

Up to 150 people were evacuated while the building was ventilated, and one person required treatment for gas inhalation.

Detectives say the 45kg container, behind the hotel, was deliberately emptied shortly after midnight on Sunday.

Police say the town is particularly busy with the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show attracting additional visitors over the long weekend.

Investigations to catch the person responsible are ongoing.