Shoppers were evacuated from a section of a major shopping centre after a “false” fire alarm.

Crowds were pictured being escorted out of the Guildhall section of Bluewater in Greenhithe, near Dartford as John Lewis was cordoned off.

Fire crews were called at 1.30pm and attended with three engines but after a check of the stores, it was found to be a false alarm and stood down by 2.05pm.

A spokesperson for Bluewater said: “There was an evacuation of Guildhall earlier today, however there was no emergency, and the centre is now fully back open.

“We'd like to thank our guests for their cooperation during this evacuation and apologise for the disruption to their visit.”

Police explained they were not officially called to the mall but confirmed the cordon was believed to be due to a false fire alarm.

Officers were still at the scene however and assisted with the evacuation as there are some usually stationed at the shopping centre.

The fire service has been asked for more information.