Thorpe Park fire destroys attractions

Dozens of firefighters were battling last night to control a fire at an amusement park in Surrey, forcing the evacuation of 7,000 people.

Dozens of firefighters were battling last night to control a fire at an amusement park in Surrey, forcing the evacuation of 7,000 people.

A spokeswoman for Surrey Fire Brigade said the "rather large fire" at Thorpe Park began at 3pm yesterday in an area near one of the water rides and had spread through the site. She said that theme rides were "well alight". "Fifteen fire crews have been sent out, two aerial ladder platforms and various other appliances." It is not known at this point how the fire started.

Glenn Earlam, the divisional director of the park, said the evacuation had gone to plan and without injuries. "We had 7,000 people here today including staff which is average for this time of year," he said.

"We obviously have an evacuation plan should an incident like today's occur and it has gone very successfully.

"The fire started in Mr Rabbit's tropical travels and as yet we have no idea why. We will obviously be conducting a thorough investigation into the cause."