A store in York city centre had to be evacuated this lunchtime (Saturday).
Staff and customers were forced to leave Boots on Coney Street at around 1pm.
Firefighters and a police crew went to the scene.
The incident began with multiple alarms going off. Then it appears that the store’s anti-theft security fog device has triggered.
This is designed to disorientate a thief if they break into the store after hours. It is not clear why it has activated during opening hours.
The machine filled the ground floor retail area of Boots with an opaque mist making it impossible for people to stay in the store.
Being a Saturday, the store was filled with shoppers. Customers were asked to leave, and staff were gathered outside.
Firefighters went into Boots to investigate further. They then left and the store reopened at about 4.30pm.
A North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: “A crew from York responded to a report of smoke in a commercial property.
“Crews carried out a thorough investigation and found no signs of fire.
“The cause of the smoke was found to be a smoke cloak that had activated in the property.”
The anti-theft fog is harmless to people but it does take a while to clear.
The incident comes only days after the doors to Boots were smashed. Someone is said to have thrown one of the ‘road closed’ signs on Coney Street into the glass.
