Panicked shoppers flee Westfield Stratford shopping centre amid reports of 'small fire'
The emergency alert sparked a stampede, as terrified shoppers ran from the scene.

London's Westfield shopping centre in Stratford was evacuated today (11 November) following reports of a small fire.
The arrival of emergency crews at around 5.25pm sparked panic, causing a mass 'stampede' as terrified shoppers ran from the scene.
One person writing on Twitter described chaotic scenes. "Just boarded an Overground train at Stratford and dozens of people came aboard running. Said something happened at the mall. Fire Brigade is here."
London Fire Brigade said: "We're dealing with a small fire in #Westfield shopping centre in #Stratford. Sprinklers have activated. We'll update when we have more soon."
The Met Police later confirmed the incident, tweeting: "We are aware of a fire alarm at Westfield, officers are at the scene. We believe it's a small fire at this early stage.
"Will confirm with a further tweet asap."
We are aware of a fire alarm at #Westfield #Stratford. Officers are at the scene. We believe it's a small fire at this early stage. Will confirm with a further tweet asap.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) November 11, 2017
They later added: "Incident confirmed as a small fire at #Westfield #Stratford, police cordons have now been lifted."
Shoppers shared images of the scene on Twitter and warned the public not to go to the shopping centre.
Stratford Westfield being evacuated. No idea why. Lots of people panicking pic.twitter.com/M57pt1gsFI
— Buggins (@WOwillRO) November 11, 2017
Avoid Stratford Westfield or Stratford in general. A madness just happened. Be safe
— Rafael Alexandreð¨ð» (@HogwartsFinest) November 11, 2017
@LondonFire whatâs happening at #stratford #westfield pic.twitter.com/8XJgqwd9Gb
— Ian blackshire (@Ian5031) November 11, 2017
Scariest moment of my life today in #westfield #stratford everyone running and screaming and no idea what was going on. Hope I never have to experience that again!
— Liddie Nicole (@liddienicole) November 11, 2017