Ikea 'locked down' as customers evacuated and told to 'leave immediately'

09 February 2023 , 20:13

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Ikea 'locked down' as customers told to leave store 'immediately'

Ikea shoppers were evacuated from a busy store this evening with people told to stay outside.

Videos from the scene in Ashton-under-Lyne showed huge numbers of people leaving the store at around 7.15pm.

One shopper said as they were leaving they saw a "scared looking" security guard running back inside as alarms blared.

People reported hearing alarms blaring as they headed towards the exits.

The store is believed to still be in lockdown, with no one allowed inside, although the nature of the emergency is yet to be shared.

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A witness told the Manchester Evening News: "We were already leaving as the announcement started and the security guy came running down the stairs and seemed so panicked telling us to leave immediately.

"The announcement said any children in the play area had already been evacuated and staff would help people find their kids."

Another concerned shopper tweeted: "We got evacuated from Ikea in Ashton Under Lyne.

Customers have been evacuated from the store (Getty Images)

"Just so scary."

They added: "Got evacuated as we was about to eat and try the meatballs at Ikea in Ashton Under Lyne and we are all outside with so many other people.

"Alarms going off and speaker system telling us to leave the building."

Another shopper claimed they were told the issue was caused by 'technical difficulties'.

James Holt