St James' Park was evacuated on Monday afternoon after an alarm sounded, with Newcastle United staff forced to leave the building on Barrack Road. A video showed people gathered outside the stadium while the alarm blared in the background.
Fire drill confirmed
The club has since confirmed that the evacuation was because of a fire drill. Those working at the home of Newcastle United were forced to exit the building, leaving passers-by unsure what to make of the situation.
Northumbria Police, North East Ambulance Service, and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service were all contacted for comment, with the three 999 services all saying that they did not attend.
City centre alarm heard
Those in Newcastle city centre could hear the loud alarm for several minutes while the drill was taking place, but this was nothing more than an in-house test.
