Horsham’s John Lewis and Waitrose store evacuated: Shoppers tell of experiences

Horsham’s new John Lewis and Waitrose store was evacuated this afternoon (Friday July 3).
JPCT-Fire engine outside Horsham's John Lewis and WaitroseJPCT-Fire engine outside Horsham's John Lewis and Waitrose
JPCT-Fire engine outside Horsham's John Lewis and Waitrose

Firefighters were called to the store in Albion Way at around 11.56am after receiving reports that a smell of smoke was coming from the building.

A shopper, who asked not be named, was in the store just before the alarms went off.

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They said: “We were having a cup of in the cafe before the fire alarm went off and the staff came round and said everybody has to leave.

“There was no smell of smoke or anything like that. I thought it could just be an electrical fault with one of the fire alarms.

“It was very well handled. There was no panic at all. There was no one running or anything and it was very well executed.”

Commenting on the County Times Facebook page another shopper said: “I was there. No sign of smoke but was rather hot waiting on the upper level of the car park.

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“The staff were great and it was dealt with very professionally. Better to be safe than sorry!”

Were you affected by the evacuation this afternoon? Comment below or email [email protected]

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