Battersea Power Station fire fear after TV stunt

Flames were projected on to Battersea Power Station as part of the TV stunt

Firefighters were called to Battersea Power Station after a TV stunt caused concerns the historic building was alight.

Flames were projected on to the Grade II*-listed building in south-west London to promote explorer Bear Grylls' new show on the Discovery Channel.

London Fire Brigade said it was called at 19:50 BST and realised it was a false alarm on reaching the site.

The 39-acre site is to be turned into 3,500 homes, offices, shops and a park.

As part of the stunt, the TV presenter abseiled down the building as flames came up from the ground.

A fire service spokesman said: "We attended and as soon as we got there we realised it wasn't an incident for us.

"But we take every call seriously."

A Malaysian consortium is redeveloping the site and restoring the building, and it will take at least 10 years to complete the £8bn project.

The building, known for its four chimneys, has been vacant since being decommissioned in 1983 and is on English Heritage's at risk register.