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

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."

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.