Fire 'under control' as shopping centre evacuated

Emergency services have asked people to avoid the area

A shopping centre fire is "under control," say emergency services after it was evacuated this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to Centre:MK in Milton Keynes after a fire was believed to have started in the Queens Court Food Market.

Thames Valley Police said road closures had been put in place from North Eighth to Seclow Gate and the fire was now under control.

The force said Buckinghamshire Fire Service and South Central Ambulance Service vehicles were sent to the city.

Smoke could be seen coming from the top of the shopping centre

Kam Singh, a local musician, was shopping in Boots when staff told people to leave.

He said he believed the fire happened in Midsummer Boulevard, the older part of the shopping centre.

"They evacuated everyone and then everyone was being told to leave the centre," he said.

"I didn't hear any alarms or anything... the police turned up but the fire engines got there first.

"The response was so quick and it's a credit to our city."

He said he spoke to a security guard inside the centre who told him it would be closed for the rest of the day and did not know if it would reopen on Tuesday.

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service were also in attendance

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: "We are currently on scene...alongside Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

"Please continue to avoid the area to allow emergency services access to the scene.

"Thank you to all for your patience and cooperation while we deal with this incident."

The BBC has tried to contact the Centre:MK and the fire service for more detail.