THE fire service was called to Crown Heights after reports of a “strong smell of burning” inside the building.

Two fire engines with crews from Basingstoke and Tadley attended the incident shortly after 8am on Monday, June 12 and cordoned off Cohens Chemist in Dixon House and both Crown Heights Medical Centre and Bramleys Grange Medical Partnership which are upstairs in the same building.

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Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said the burning smell was caused by “overheated batteries”.

A spokesperson said: “Basingstoke and Tadley crews were called to Crown Heights shortly after 8am this morning after there was a strong smell of burning reported inside the building.

“The alarm was caused by a number of overheated batteries which were removed and allowed to cool before the incident was handed over to the onsite team.”

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The crews were seen leaving the scene at around 9.30am.

A member of staff from Cohens Chemist said they were allowed back in the building at around 9am.

Nick Thom, who works for the pharmacy, said: "There was a burning smell throughout the building so the fire service were called and we were evacuated from the building."

Crown Heights Medical Centre has been asked if the incident will have an impact on appointments today.