Regent Arcade evacuated after car fire

Cheltenham's Regent Arcade shopping centre was evacuated yesterday (July 1) following a fire in the car park.

Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service was called at 2:45pm yesterday. Three fire engines from Cheltenham attended and the police were also on the scene, as black smoke could be seen pouring from the Regent Arcade car park.

Cheltenham Borough Council confirmed on X, formerly Twitter, that it was working with the fire service to manage the situation and asked people to avoid the area.

The fire service said the fire was extinguished just after 4:30pm. It posted on X: "this incident has been handed over to Cheltenham Borough Council."

The council also said it was working with shopping centre owner, Canada Life, to help customers get their vehicles out of the car park, with council officers on site to support drivers.

It asked customers for patience as it "could take some time to ensure it can be done safely". It added that customers may be unable to access cars parked on the first floor, due to the location of the fire.

The car park remains closed today.