Creasey's M&S shop evacuated after sprinklers are activated
WATER flooded the ground floor of Creasey's Marks and Spencer food store along the seafront yesterday evening after a fault in the fire sprinkler system set it off unexpectedly.
Everyone inside the Creasey's building was evacuated, including all shoppers and up to 40 members of staff.
The Fire and Rescue Service was called to the scene at 4.30pm but reported no evidence of a fire.
One fire appliance and one special appliance attended the scene, including five fire officers.
Head of Fire Safety Pierre Laine said the main issue arose when they tried to manually shut down the sprinkler system.
'When we tried to shut the water off, the valve was jammed, meaning it took us far longer to turn off than we thought.
'As of yet we have not determined why the sprinkler went off, but we should be able to establish a cause very soon.
'We are working closely with Creaseys to minimise any potential damage to the store.'
