BBC's Broadcasting House HQ evacuated after fire alert

BBC Radio London stopped live programmes during the false alarm

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By

Goolistan Cooper

12:40, 13 JUN 2017
Updated12:44, 13 JUN 2017

BBC Broadcasting House in Portland Place, Westminster, was evacuated on Tuesday (June 13) morning (Image: Nick Ansell/PA)

Staff from BBC headquarters New Broadcasting House were evacuated from their offices and studios on Tuesday (June 13) morning after a fire alarm sounded.

Fire crews attended the building in Portland Place, Marylebone , after the alarm was activated at 11.40am.

London Fire Brigade told this website that it was a false alarm with firefighters stood down just before midday.

The alarm saw staff flood out of parts of the iconic home of the BBC.

According to the Radio Times , BBC Radio London stopped live programmes at 11.40am for about 20 minutes when host Robert Elms his guest were interrupted by a tannoy announcement saying ‘Please leave the building immediately’.

A pre-recorded interview by Janice Long then played.

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“Thankfully it has proved to be a false alarm. We should be going to the newsroom now as it’s one minute past 12 but the newsreader isn’t back in yet,” the presenter said on his return.

BBC Radio 1 , also based at New Broadcasting House, continued as normal, as did some of the other departments within the nine-floor building.

The BBC has been contacted for comment.

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