'Large fire' at Drayton Manor theme park

A "large fire" has broken out overnight at Drayton Manor theme park.

The blaze took hold in a changing block area in the Thomas Land area of the theme park on Tuesday night, according to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue.

Incident commander Stuart Ruckledge said the whole building was involved but crews were able to stop the fire spreading to other areas of the park.

The theme park said on Twitter that no-one was injured and all of the animals at the park were safe.

The park keeps about 100 animals on its premises.

Drayton Manor, which is in Tamworth, Staffordshire, said the extent of the damage was not yet known.

"It is not yet safe for us to survey the damage," the park said.

"For now, we echo the advice to local residents to keep doors and windows closed, and thank all those involved in the swift and effective response."

The park, which is currently closed and unable to run Christmas events due to coronavirus restrictions, has a 15-acre zoo and more than 25 rides and attractions. It also has a 150-bedroom hotel with restaurants and bars.

In February, the park was flooded after Storm Dennis swept the country and in August, it was announced the park had been sold to Looping Group after entering administration.

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