The Ashford Designer Outlet carried out a routine drill this morning, sparking 'bomb scare' rumours.

The McArthurGlen stores were notified of the exercise yesterday according to a shop worker, who does not want to be named.

The practice run went ahead at 10.15am to give employees and shoppers an idea of where to meet in the event of an emergency.

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All stores had to be evacuated, with staff and customers being directed to the nearby Asda overflow car park.

The worker said: "This was only a test. They were over there for 10 minutes.

"If customers were in the store they also had to follow. Afterwards, the staff came back to work."

It is understood people who had parked were asked not to get out of their cars.

The police were not involved.