Firefighters were called just before 6pm yesterday. While there were no reports of any injuries, part of a ground floor coffee shop was damaged after a fire broke out.

The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault in an air conditioning unit.

“Unfortunately, at just before 6pm on Thursday evening there was a small fire within the Grind unit, which was closed at the time, at the Royal Exchange,” a Royal Exchange spokesperson says. “Our safety systems, operational team and the fire brigade were quick to respond and any workers in the offices above together with Royal Exchange staff and customers were safely evacuated.

“As a result the fire was extinguished and the area deemed safe within an hour and thankfully no one was hurt.

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The fire occurred at a time when most of the units in the Royal Exchange had either closed or were locking up — fortunately, a relatively quiet point in the day when fewer people were in the building.

An investigation into the cause of the fire, as well as a damage and safety assessment is underway.

“We are working with Grind to have the store open again as soon as possible, once it is safe to do so. No structural damage was sustained to the building and all our other shops and restaurants at the Royal Exchange remain open and operating as usual,” the spokesperson added.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson confirmed that firefighters were called at 5.52pm, and the fire was under control by 6.38pm. Two fire engines from Dowgate and Dockhead fire stations attended the scene.

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To contact the author of this story with feedback or news, email Justin Cash