Around 3,000 people were evacuated when a small electrical fire broke out at Wimbledon on Wednesday evening (July 1).

Centre Court was cleared at around 9pm through an announcement which requested the public to leave.

Serena Williams was conducting a press conference at the time, which was allowed to continue providing the media stayed in the room.

A few hours before the evacuation a ball boy fainted on what was the tournament's hottest ever day.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Crews were called to a small fire in a plant room at Wimbledon tennis club, SW19 this evening (Wednesday July 1).

"Around 3000 people were evacuated as a precaution which is standard procedure while crews assessed the fire.

"Around 25% of a plant room near a restaurant was alight.

"As well as 18 firefighters and officers, there were also a number firefighters already at the club who volunteer to act as fire patrol during the tournament.

"Their roll is to respond to fire alerts, assess the scene and inform London Fire Brigade’s control centre as necessary."

Three fire engines from Wandsworth, Fulham and Battersea fire stations were at the scene.

LFB said it was called just after 9pm after play had finished and had the fire under control by 10pm.

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage, according to LFB.

A statement from the All England Club said: "The All England Club has confirmed that the Centre Court building was evacuated following an incident at 8.57pm involving a small fire in an electrical plant room located to the side of the Wingfield Restaurant.

"The incident, which occurred approximately 60 minutes after play had finished for the day, was attended by the London Fire Brigade and the fire was extinguished."