A fire alert at BBC Broadcasting House in London caused disruption to BBC Radio 2.

Listeners tuning in to hear the Jimmy Young show heard a pre-recorded programme instead of the veteran presenter.

The interruption was caused as the extension of BBC Broadcasting House, in which Radio 2 is housed, was evacuated.

A BBC spokesman said around 300 people were evacuated and that Radio 2 was the only station affected.

Jimmy Young: Silenced by fire alarm

The alert is thought to have been started by smoke coming from electrical equipment and lasted for about 45 minutes.

The spokesman said: "Jimmy went back on air just before the end of his programme and explained there was a fire alarm.

"We then led into the news and the day's programme continued as normal."

Three fire engines with 15 firefighters attended the HQ building in Portland Place, central London.

A spokeswoman for London fire brigade said the alert, which started around 1315GMT, involved an electrical intake cupboard on the first floor.

There were no injuries.