SEVERAL shops had to be evacuated in Bluewater this afternoon (Saturday)due to smoke in Topshop.

Two crews from Dartford Fire Station and one from Swanscombe were called to the shopping centre at around 1.30pm, after the store manager sounded the alarm.

The smoke is believed to have been caused by a light fitting, which had blown.

Red watch crew manager Bob Chilmaid said: “We could smell smoke but lots of the lights weren’t working so it was difficult to pinpoint the area causing the problem. The shop was evacuated and at least five others on either side were evacuated.”

Firefighters were at the scene for an hour and an electrician was called to re-set the alarm.