A FIRE has broke out at the Carlisle branch of Monsoon.

It happened at 9am this morning at its store in The Lanes Shopping Centre.

The shopping centre was evacuated for a short time.

Holly Woodhead, marketing manager for The Lanes, said: "Monsoon has had a fire. We don't yet know the cause.

"It was contained to the ground floor and was well contained.

"The fire brigade were on site quickly." An eye witness said the clothes inside the store were soaking wet. A cordon was put in place around Monsoon and Patisserie Valerie next door.

The Lanes is holding a Christmas shopping event today as the city marks the start of late night opening for the festive season.

Ms Woodhead said: "The Lanes is very much open for business.

"We are urging people to come down, enjoy the food and drink stalls in the centre and shop local today and tonight."