Security System Activation Fills Nationwide With Smoke

There was plenty of smoke but, fortunately, no fire at the Nationwide Building Society in Market Harborough last night.

Smoke was seen billowing from the front of the High Street branch shortly after 7pm, prompting several 999 calls.

It turned out to be an accidental activation of the premises’ smoke cloak security system, which was being worked on by engineers at the time.

Nationwide in Market Harborough

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service was alerted but did not send crews once the cause of the smoke had been established.

Smoke cloaks are designed to fill a premises with dense smoke within seconds, making it difficult for intruders to see and helping to deter theft by obscuring their view of cash and valuables.