Shopping centre evacuated after fire breaks out

The fire service has confirmed that the blaze was put out shortly after 16.30.

A spokesperson said: “Three fire engines from Cheltenham attended the scene and used four breathing apparatus, a hose reel and a dry powder fire extinguisher to put out the fire. The stop message was received at 4.32pm.”

They also clarified that the fourth fire engine, from Gloucester, mentioned in their earlier statement, was actually dispatched to check a nearby property where smoke was seen – but that element was a false alarm.

And lastly, the fire service confirmed that Regent Arcade shopping centre was evacuated while firefighters responded to the incident.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that four fire engines are currently attending to the car fire in the Regent Arcade multi-storey car park in Cheltenham.

The spokesperson said: “We were called at 2.45pm to a fire in the car park of the Regent Arcade in Cheltenham. Four fire engines, three from Cheltenham and one from Gloucester, are currently at the scene.”

A spokesperson for the shopping centre confirmed its “evacuation procedure” had been rolled out, as plumes of black smoke can be seen across the city.