YOUNGSTERS at a playgroup, shops and businesses were evacuated following a fire involving acetylene cylinders.

Firefighters and police were alerted to the Paragon Skills engineering training centre on the Elliott Road Industrial estate, Wallisdown, Bournemouth, at around 10.25am yesterday.

Around 20 firefighters and five police officers attended the scene, moving around 100 people to safety before erecting a 100 metre cordon around the affected area.

Staff from Argos, the Royal Mail Winton Sorting Office and Country Fare were among those asked to leave.

Youngsters and staff from Giggles Nursery and Giggles Play Centre were evacuated to nearby LV Streetwise Centre in Elliott Road where they were kept entertained with games and videos until their parents were able to collect them.

Station manager at Westbourne Fire Station, Phil Abraham, said: "There were some dangers with acetylene cylinders.

"When they have been heated our standard tactic is to ensure the safety of the public and our personnel liasing with the police. A safety zone has been put in place to allow us to manage the cylinder.

"We are now in a phase where the cylinder is being examined from a safe distance to establish its status."

The cordon could stay up for another 24 hours depending on the status of the cylinders, he added.

Claire Smirthwaite, 25, Royal Mail delivery manager, was part of a small group of Royal Mail workers standing outside the gates of Winton Sorting Office, waiting for news.

Around six workers were evacuated from the sorting office as the other 70 were out doing deliveries, said staff.

Claire said: "The fire engine just turned up and told us to evacuate.We've been over here ever since. Last time it happened it lasted 24 hours."

Over at LV Streetwise Centre Giggles Nursery manager Lauren Hixson said the children thought the whole drama was "cool".

She said: "Firemen ran in and said we've got to evacuate. Get everyone out there's a cylinder going to explode'.

"Oakmead School brought their minibus to move the kids down to here. Streetwise have entertained the kids with videos and it's been lovely. They've looked after us. The children were really excited."

Gavin Freed, chief executive of Paragon Skills said: "Today at Paragon's centre in Wallisdown an acetylene gas cylinder began to emit some smoke.

"All staff and learners were evacuated swiftly as a precaution and the fire service were called. The fire service are assessing the building and will advise when it is safe for people to return to the building.

"Arrangements were immediately made for students to return to their respective schools or places of work.

"Health and safety is of paramount importance to Paragon and we are currently investigating the facts behind the incident."