BBC 5live's studio evacuated for fire alarm during live broadcast in Manchester Salford Quays
Studio left empty for around 10 minutes before presenters return
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The BBC's 5Live studios were temporarily evacuated during a live radio broadcast.
A live stream showed the hosts having to cut short a phone-in when a fire alarm sounded.
Seconds later an automated message was heard: "Attention, attention, please evacuate the building by the nearest available exit. Do not use the lift."
Presenter Sarah Brett then told listeners: "We are going to have leave right now, apologies to our listeners, the building is being evacuated."
Co-host Nihal Arthanayake, visibly panicked, was shown taking off his headphones and both leave the studio.
At 2.05pm (BST), around 10 minutes later, the presenters returned to the studio, which is based in MediCityUK in Salford Quays.
"There is no incident," Ms Brett said, explaining it was a fire alarm. "Everybody is OK."
Jonathan Wall, controller of BBC Radio 5 live, tweeted during the evacuation to say there was “no incident”.
“BBC quay house evacuation was fire alarm related,” he wrote. “We will be back in building and on air soon.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments