Major tourist attraction EVACUATED as flares fell inches from crowds in huge Thames bridge ‘illegal fireworks display’

: "It was really confusing. It felt like it was near the end of the performance when we saw bright red lights in the sky.

"Most of the audience looked up and we saw fireworks and there was a general sense of confusion.

"Even the actors and actresses looked up."

The performance came to a shocking halt before ticket holders were rushed to the basement.

They were forced to wait out the flare display for around 20 minutes.

A warning announcement was made on stage which read: "Unfortunately it is necessary to end the performance. Please exit the theatre following direction from our stewarding team.

"The ticketing team will process refunds as soon as possible and contact you if necessary."

The bright red flares were seen around the capital.

One wrote on X: "I expect it’s nothing - but a big load of flares just went off Red Dawn style near my flat in Central London."

Another added: "I'm glad someone else saw this. I live all the way over in Croydon and saw 10 or 12 red flares all shoot into the air at the same time nearby the Shard. Thought I was seeing things."

Meanwhile, an account that claims to be the official platform for the Algerian club Mouloudia Club d'Alger posted: "Al-Ameed fans set the atmosphere on fire with a fantastic caravan that lit up the capital's sky on a night like no other."

A spokesperson for Shakespeare’s Globe said: "At 10pm on Wednesday 7 August, fireworks and flares were set off from Millennium Bridge.

"The Globe building was immediately locked down, and the audience and company were invacuated and held until 10.50pm when the Police gave notice that it was safe to leave. All audience members, company members, staff, and volunteers were evacuated and got home safely.

"We are continuing to gather the facts regarding exactly what happened. The Globe Box Office will be in contact with all audience members who attended last night’s performance. 

"As a major visitor destination in London, we have emergency measures in place. These protocols were followed in a calm and considered manner, and we would like to thank all our audience members, company members, staff, and volunteers for supporting us last night for a safe response to the situation."