Fire alert at London’s Shard

Some 900 people were evacuated earlier today (Thursday) from London skyscraper The Shard after smoke was discovered in the building’s basement and the fire alarm was activated. Fire-fighters were called to the scene to investigate the origin of the smoke at the 1,004ft-high building, which is the tallest in Western Europe.

Seven fire engines and some 50 fire-fighters from London Fire Brigade were sent to the scene near London Bridge after receiving calls about a blaze.

There was a mass evacuation at the London landmark and a 50-metre cordon was put in place around the building.

A tweet posted from @TheShardLondon said: “Emergency services are responding to a fire alarm at The Shard. Evacuation procedures have been followed and we are ready to assist as needed.”

There are no reports of injuries.