A van has exploded near Westquay shopping centre in Southampton as emergency services have rushed to the scene.
A huge fireball was witnessed by passers-by, with people saying they heard a loud bang and a large plume of smoke.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "This was a vehicle fire on Harbour Parade, reported at 9.37am.
"The fire service are leading on this incident and police are assisting with road closures."
Food court workers in Westquay have been evacuated
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Fire trucks arrived at the scene where they were seen blasting the burning vehicle with water.
The fire was successfully extinguished, with reports revealing the vehicle to be completely destroyed.
The shopping centre closed down after the incident, and it is unknown when it will reopen.
The Harbour parade is closed in both directions and people have been told to stay away from the area.
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Hundreds of people including staff members have been evacuated from Westquay.
A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "Crews from St Mary’s, Redbridge and Hightown are currently in attendance at a vehicle fire following reports of smoke and flames at the back of Westquay, Southampton at just after 9.30am this morning.
"People are asked to avoid the area while emergency services deal with the incident. Harbour Parade is closed in both directions."
The incident occurred outside an entrance to the Podium car park underneath the shopping centre on Harbour Parade.
Hundreds of people including staff members have been evacuated from Westquay (stock pic)
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One witness told the Echo: "A van blew up. I thought it was Westquay South on fire at first."
Another said she saw “loads of thick smoke” before “loads of emergency services” headed to the area.
A third said the bang was so loud he wondered if the truck was carrying explosive or flammable equipment.
"It was quite shocking as I only came into town to grab a coffee and didn’t expect to see such an emergency response," he added.
