SHOPPERS were evacuated from the Market Place Shopping Centre after fears of a fire.

Firefighters were called just before 1pm on Sunday after a fault with a light fitting.

One shopper caught up in the drama said: “Three fire engines were at the Market Place Shopping Centre and hundreds of people were outside, with security guards at each of the entrances.

“We didn’t know how long we would be waiting for.”

Shoppers were allowed back into the centre at about 1.30pm.