Mike Tammadge, mall manager, said that initial reports received were that there was a fire in the roof near Checkers.

Smoke was visible prompting management to make the decision to sound the alarm to evacuate the building.

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“The safety of customers at the mall are our main concern. You cannot be too careful when it comes to smoke,” said Mr Tammadge.

The Fire Brigade is currently on scene and trying to establish where the smoke is coming from. The public will be allowed back in once the origin of the smoke has been determined and the smoke has cleared.