Shoppers were evacuated from Bluewater shopping centre in Stone, Kent, this afternoon as emergency services responded to the scene. Police and firefighters established a cordon and evacuated a section of the large shopping complex due to a suspected electrical fire.
Initial reports indicated that emergency responders were called to deal with an electrical fire at an EE store within the premises. Evacuation procedures began around 3 pm, and shoppers were directed out of the affected area. Approximately an hour later, shoppers were allowed to re-enter the building, although the cordon remained in place, spanning from Slim Chicken to Black Sheep Coffee on the upper level.
Kent police confirmed receiving reports of a fire at a business within the shopping centre at 3:45 pm. Police officers arrived at the scene to support the fire crews. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. Visitors mentioned being instructed to evacuate before being permitted to return. Emergency service vehicles were visible outside the shopping centre during the incident.
An eyewitness observed firefighters exiting the EE store, noting that the damage seemed minimal. A spokesperson from Bluewater informed the media that a small section of the shopping centre was evacuated temporarily as a precautionary measure due to smoke detected in one of the stores. The situation, caused by a minor smoking battery, was swiftly resolved with the assistance of the Kent Fire and Rescue team.
Apologies were extended to any guests whose visit was disrupted by the evacuation.