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Bluewater evacuated after fire alarm

Shoppers poured into the car parks surrounding Bluewater today after alarms sounded in the centre.

Hundreds of people waited near the mall for about 25 minutes following a partial evacuation of the shopping centre at about 4.10pm.

The area around the cinemas was closed off, according to eyewitnesses, and more people are gathered near the multi-storey car parks.

VIDEO: An eyewitness shot this video as she evacuated the shopping centre

Shoppers wait outside after the evacuation. Picture: Rob Debenham
Shoppers wait outside after the evacuation. Picture: Rob Debenham

An eyewitness involved in the evacuation described events: "So I was just leaving Next when I heard a loud alarm going off.

"Shutters on shops began to lower and Bluewater security guards begin ushering people over to the Plaza.

"I later discovered that it was due to a possible fire on the roof above and around House of Fraiser. It was eerie seeing the ground floor empty."

People gathered by the multi-storey car parks. Picture: Caitlin Waghorn
People gathered by the multi-storey car parks. Picture: Caitlin Waghorn

A spokesman for Bluewater said the evacuation had been prompted by a false alarm in one of the shops.

All areas were open again by 5pm.

A spokesman tweeted: "Due to a retailer fire alarm being triggered, a section of Bluewater was evacuated earlier. This was a false alarm and all areas now open."

Police and Kent Fire and Rescue said no crews were called.

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