Sprinkler systems installed in a three-storey Waterstones bookshop in Guildford probably saved the building and neighbouring businesses after a fire broke out.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service were called the store just before 7.15pm on Sunday 25 September. Six appliances and an aerial support attended the scene.

The fire started in the cafe area on the first floor of the 400 sq m building. Sprinklers in the shop extinguished the fire and firefighters left the scene soon after 10.30pm.

The fire service said if it was not for the sprinkler system damage would have been much worse. It said: “Sprinklers saved the building and others.”