Cineworld cinema in Ashton evacuated as people are told they 'won't be let back inside'

Cinema-goers have been evacuated from Cineworld in Ashton-under-Lyne after a fire extinguisher caused a smoke alarm to go off.

Several fire crews were scrambled to Fold Way in the town centre shortly after 3pm on Sunday afternoon.

Customers reported films being interrupted by a message telling them to leave the cinema as there was a 'situation.'

It is thought that the cinema's fire alarm was triggered inside the building after a fire extinguisher was let off.

Lorna Davenport was inside the cinema when she and other customers were told to leave the building.

Fire engines were scrambled to the cinema shortly after 3pm on Sunday afternoon (Lorna Davenport)

She says staff were handing out refunds and telling customers they would not be reopening the cinema for the rest of the day.

"We were watching the new Terminator film and then the film and sound stopped, lights came on," Lorna said.

"That was followed by a looped message on the speakers requesting that people leave the cinema as there was a "situation."

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"It was relatively calm. Nothing was said until we saw the fire engines, but it could have been anything.

"Staff were really professional and just eager to get the public out safely without causing panic.

"The cinema staff are handing out refunds and telling people they won't be let back inside as they are not reopening."

A spokesperson for Manchester Fire Service said: "We were called at 3pm and three fire engines were sent to the scene.

"There was no fire inside the building but what appeared to be smoke as a result of someone letting off a fire extinguisher."

The Manchester Evening News have contacted Cineworld for comment.