HUNDREDS of shoppers had to be evacuated from the Tollgate Sainsbury's store after a sprinkler system was activated.

Firefighters from Colchester were called to Sainsbury’s at Tollgate after sprinklers were activated at 5.45pm on Saturday.

Three crews went to the store off Western Approach, Stanway, and worked to isolate the sprinkler system.

The officer in charge described the flooding as extensive.

Fire crews managed to stop the flow of water by 7.08pm.

The flooding hit the bakery aisle and left four customers soaked.

Sainsbury's has apologised to customers, but did manage to reopen the store again on Sunday.

Were you caught up in the drama? Leave you comments below