SHOP sprinklers and the fire service stopped a serious fire developing in a city centre shopping arcade.

Firefighters were called to Ryman Stationery store in Friary Walk, the CrownGate Centre, Worcester, in the early hours yesterday after reports of smoke.

Two city-based fire engines and a fire officer from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service attended at about 1.25am. A back-up fire engine from Worcester also later assisted.

A fire brigade spokesman said: “The fire was in basement and involved stationery.

Internal sprinklers activated and aided the extinguishing of the fire.

“The sprinkler system was then isolated, and two firefighters with breathing gear and a hose reel went in to the store.”

The fire was put out, but firefighters reported flooding in the basement.

A spokesman for Ryman’s said: “In the early hours of the morning a small fire occurred in the stock room in the basement of our Worcester store.

“The sprinkler system worked well and the only damage was to stock.”

The store was open as usual, as was the shopping centre. The source of the fire has yet to be determined.

Erica Burlace, shopping centre manager, thanked the fire brigade for its “swift and effective action”.

Station commander Ian Jallands said: “There was a minimal amount of damage to stock.

“Without the sprinklers, however, it is very doubtful that Ryman would have been able to open for business.”