Trafford Centre evacuated after false alarm sounds

The Trafford Centre was temporarily evacuated this evening after an alarm sounded through the huge shopping centre.

Videos shared to social media showed huge crowds leaving through the exits at The Orient with a voice tannoy message and alarms ringing out.

One shopper told the Manchester Evening News that the 'shutters started closing' as a message told people within the large food court they had to leave via the nearest exit.

It was later confirmed to have been a false alarm and that procedures were followed before those who had been evacuated were allowed back inside.

This is a live incident. Updates to follow.

It is understood the evacuation of The Orient lasted for around 20 minutes this evening.

Shoppers dining in the large food court were told to leave via their nearest exit due to 'an incident'.

Protocol was followed, with the alarm sounding, before shoppers were later allowed back inside.

The Trafford Centre has just confirmed the incident was 'a false alarm' that had been triggered this evening.

The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed they were not in attendance at this incident tonight.

Greater Manchester Police and The Trafford Centre have been approached for more details.

One person has just told us: "The whole centre has been evacuated and an automated message said its due to an incident.

"My friends were eating at the time and had to leave the restaurant."

There have been a number of reports tonight that an alarm began sounding earlier this evening.

Videos seen by the M.E.N clearly showed an alarm ringing out with a tannoy message speaking.

One shopper, who was in the food court at the time, said they were told to 'leave using their nearest exits'.

We are yet to confirm the reason