Alarm bells sounded at intu Bromley on Saturday morning forcing bargain hunters to abandon their Christmas shopping.

Police were called to a suspicious vehicle in the shopping centre car park at 11.09am and intu Bromley and Bromley High Street were evacuated.

The London Ambulance Service sent a duty officer and the Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene. They did not treat any casualties and were stood down by police.

Stores lost around an hour of trading with shoppers allowed to re-enter the building once police had investigated. 

Emergency services left the scene at 2.09pm.

Bargain hunters posted pictures of the crowds gathering outside the shopping centre on Twitter. 

 


Chris Denton, of Uvedale Crescent in New Addington, was shopping in Boots when the fire alarms sounded.

The 34-year-old said: “We were all shepherded outside. Nobody really knew what was happening. I'd heard it was a suspect package or a car fire.

"There were lots of people milling around including staff from the shops but everything was quiet and calm. It was all very organised."

Marc Myers, intu Bromley general manager, said: “We evacuated on the advice of the police.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused but the safety of our customers and staff was our primary concern.

“The police investigated very thoroughly and confirmed there was no threat. We work very closely with them on incidents like this.

“We were delighted that we were able to allow everybody back in to enjoy what was one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.”

Did you see what happened? Call the news desk on 01689 885726 or email harriet.collier@london.newsquest.co.uk