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Shard Evacuated In Fire Alert

The Shard skyscraper has been fully evacuated following reports of smoke in the basement. At least 10 fire engines and 50 fire fighters are at the scene, in London's tallest building.

No flames have been reported as yet, and the large turnout appears to be precautionary. This is, as far as we know, the first time the skyscraper has been evacuated. Those in the viewing galleries will have had to walk down up to 72 storeys.

Update: 11.45. London Fire Brigade reports that around 900 people were evacuated and there are no reports of injuries. The smoke has now dissipated, but the cause is still under investigation.

Images above courtesy of Farrah Kelly who works in the Shard. She tells us: “The pre-warning alarm told us they were investigating an alarm and after about five minutes the fire alarm went off and we were told to evacuate. We walked past about six fire engines and they blocked the road after us”.

Lots more images over on SE1.