Grosvenor Museum statement

Statement update at 4.20pm

Alison Knight, Director of Places Strategy, said: “Grosvenor Museum has reopened after it was temporarily closed earlier today following reports of smoke in the building.

"Fire crews were called to the building shortly before 12pm and found smoke coming from a light fitting in the basement.

"All staff and visitors, including a group of schoolchildren, were calmly and safely evacuated when the fire alarm sounded and I would like to thank everyone for their co-operation and understanding.

"I would also like to thank the staff at the nearby Military Museum who helped out by hosting the school group during the temporary closure.

"There has been no damage to the museum or its contents and the building has been declared safe."