Ex-store cordoned off over fire fear

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus forced their way into a former Woolworths store in a Shropshire town following reports of a fire.

Crowds of people in Market Drayton town centre came to a standstill and watched as alarms rang out and plumes of smoke were seen billowing from the empty shop, which ceased trading last Christmas.

Firefighters said there was no fire and the smoke was caused by a security device, which may have been triggered by two people seen entering the building by onlookers shortly before.

The shop was cordoned off as a precaution during the incident, at about 1pm yesterday in High Street.

Emergency services said they responded to reports of a fire but could not detect any burning on arrival.

Watch manager Roger Smith said: "We had reports of smoke issuing from Woolworths. On arrival there was smoke issuing from outside the front doors and we had to force our way in.

"Two crew members wearing breathing apparatus went in to carry out a search but there was no fire involved and nobody inside.

"We have been led to believe there were two people inside who were seen going in at about midday.

"We can only assume they have triggered the alarm."

Crews from Market Drayton, Hodnet, Shrewsbury and Telford went to the scene.

The Telford crew arrived later with equipment to help ventilate the property.