Serbian team's fire evacuation

The Serbia and Montenegro football team were temporarily forced to leave the hotel in Leicester where they are staying ahead of Tuesday night's international against England, after a fire broke out.

Fire crews were called to the Hilton Hotel on Laversall Way in Braunstone just after 0600 BST on Tuesday after a kitchen range caught fire.

The Serbia and Montenegro team had to stand in the hotel car park for just over an hour, and then for another 30 minutes in the lobby, before being allowed back to their rooms.

One or two were a little upset to have been woken up, but most were fine

FA spokesman

Three crews responded to the call and two crew members in breathing apparatus tackled the fire using carbon dioxide extinguishers.

A crew returned later in the morning to check the area after it had cooled.

The cause of the fire is uncertain, but investigations are centring on a kitchen thermostat.

A spokesperson for the England Football Association said: "The team were generally very good natured about the incident.

"One or two were a little upset to have been woken up but most were fine."