CHANNEL Tunnel services have been suspended due to a smoke alert.

A smoke alarm inside the tunnel went off at 12.30pm today and a freight shuttle, carrying around 30 people, had to be evacuated.

All freight and passenger services have been stopped while an investigation is carried out.

The smoke alarm is on the UK side of the tunnel. Crews from Kent Fire and Rescue Service have been sent to the scene.

John Keefe, a spokesman for Eurotunnel, said: “A train was stopped in the tunnel and about 30 people on board were evacuated into a service tunnel.

"We have suspended services while there is an investigation. No one can travel.”