A hungry shopper was determined not to let a van explosion outside Westquay disrupt her breakfast as she evacuated the shopping centre with plate and cutlery in hand.

Jasmine Vaughan was planning to go to Ikea this morning, but was forced to take a detour to the Marks and Spencer café in Westquay alongside her friend to kill some time as she did not realise that it opened at 10am, not 9am.

The childcare practioner, who is currently on annual leave, was tucking into her all-day big veggie breakfast when she heard a "loud bang".

READ MORE: Vehicle explosion battled by firefighters outside Westquay in dramatic pictures

"People were running back and forth," Jasmine told the Echo.

"The alarm went off but the staff looked so confused, so we didn’t leave. But then a second alarm went off and it said everyone must evacuate.

"I thought I’ve just paid £15 for my breakfast and coffee, I’m not leaving it behind."

The snacking shopper was "told to evacuate" Marks and Spencer in Westquay, and she grabbed her food and drink while doing so.

Jasmine still had smashed avocado, soft poached eggs, potato rosti, beans and grilled halloumi on her plate, as she posed outside with half a breakfast and a coffee.

Others waiting outside the shopping centre were high-fiving her, as she said she "felt like a celebrity, the only one on the scene with a dinner plate".

"I 100 per cent recommend it, at least it was a dinner with a view," Jasmine joked.

READ MORE: 'It shook our store it was so loud' - Shop worker tells of van explosion

According to staff working inside, Westquay was evacuated just after 9.40am and customers were allowed to return to the shopping centre around 12.40pm.

Hampshire fire confirmed that nobody was hurt in the explosion, which was caused accidentally as a vehicle containing cylinders exploded.

Fire crews from St Mary’s, Redbridge, and Hightown attended the scene and the fire caused smoke and heat damage to the entrance of Westquay Podium car park.

Mansfield-based firm Acculine confirmed that the van was theirs, with a spokesperson for the company confirming nobody was hurt.

The driver is understood to be safe.

The spokesperson said: "Nothing has been confirmed.

"There haven't been any injuries, everybody is safe.

"It is with the police and fire service now."