Four fire engines, two ambulances and multiple police cars rushed to the scene on Station Road early this afternoon.

At 12:52 emergency services arrived at Tamar House, 7-11 Station Road after reports of burning within the building.

Members of the public and local shop owners stood by as firefighters entered the building via the front entrance.

Chief firefighter at the scene, Greg Pearson said: “The call was a false alarm. We think someone was burning incense and someone over-reacted.

“Unfortunately, because of the type and location of the building, everyone had to be called out just in case it turned into an emergency situation.”

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Andy Critchfield from London Camera Exchange which is located beside Tamar House on Station Road said: “We were in the shop and suddenly there were four fire engines, ambulances and police cars outside, but no-one told us to evacuate so we didn’t know what was going on.”

A spokesperson from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 12:52pm on Thursday, 9 June, we received reports of a fire in a block of flats on Station Road in Reading.  

"Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Ascot, Bracknell and Whitley Wood Fire Stations were sent to the scene alongside an Aerial Ladder Platform and an officer.

"Upon arrival, crews checked the building and found no signs of fire.

"They were on the scene for around 20 minutes.  "