SHOPPERS in Debenhams had to be evacuated from the Gloucester store yesterday.
Customers and staff fled from the department store, on Northgate Street, after an electrical fault.
There were fears that a fire might have started on the first floor of the large city centre building but it was later put down to a fault with the lights.
The store was evacuated by staff and shoppers had to wait around half an hour before they were allowed back in to carry on with their shopping purchases.
Kate Thomas, a spokesperson for Debenhams, said: "We can confirm there was an issue with a faulty light fitting in our Gloucester store this morning, which led to a member of staff setting off the alarm.
"The safety of our customers and staff is of paramount importance so although there was no fire, the store was evacuated for approximately 30 minutes until the fire brigade gave it the all clear.
"All light fittings in the store are being tested and checked to ensure there are no more issues."