Toddlers and children were evacuated from a play centre in Greenhithe this afternoon (Aug 11) after a small alleyway fire.

Mad Play manager Steve Brooks said staff evacuated 78 parents and kids 'as a precaution' whilst they investigated the 'discarded mattress' which was on fire.

The fire brigade were then called to the path, just off Charles Street, to make sure the fire was definitely out.

Knockhall Chase resident Steven Rowe was playing in the ball pit with his 15-month-old son James when he heard the announcement to evacuate.

He told News Shopper: "I looked up and saw everyone coming towards me.

"I didn't feel like I was in danger or anything.

"I still had my shoes off, and I just walked out with my socks on."

News Shopper:

Mr Rowe added: "It was a bit exciting - I did not expect that.

"I didn't see the fire, but I did see some smoke coming over the building when I saw outside.

"I was only out there for about 10 to 15 minutes.

"It was our first time there.

"My James was just looking around, wondering what was going on.

"No one was crying or anything.

"One girl had her chicken nuggets with her.

"All credit to the staff, they were brilliant and so calm."

News Shopper:

Mad Play's Mr Brooks said: "Because we smelt smoke, we went out to investigate.

"We put it out with fire extinguishers.

"We did an evacuation and called the fire fighters to make sure it was all out.

"It was good that my staff got everyone out quickly, and no one got hurt.

"We used both fire exits - it was all quite nice and smooth.

"We do do training once a week, but it's nice to do it for real."

Mr Brooks suspects the mattress was deliberately set alight.

He added: "Everyone does a lot of fly tipping around those places.

"So we are going to speak to our local council, because it's a bit of a fire hazard with kids walking about."

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A spokesman from Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: "Kent police were called to a small rubbish fire in an alleyway off Charles Street, Greenhithe, at 2.16pm today.

"It was put out with a hose reel.

"We were there for 15 minutes."

The fire did not take place on Mad Play premises - and no one was hurt.