BRAD PITT - STARS EVACUATED FROM LONDON HOTEL

Hollywood stars BRAD PITT and MATT DAMON were evacuated from an exclusive London hotel today (16DEC04) when a fire broke out.

Four fire engines rushed to Claridges in Mayfair, where the pair were scheduled to give a press conference in the ballroom, to promote new movie OCEAN'S TWELVE.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman says, "Four fire engines were sent to the scene after a call at 11am. They are still there. I believe there was a small fire on the ground floor, probably in the kitchen area."

Claridges restaurant is run by flamboyant celebrity chef and holder of three Michelin stars GORDON RAMSAY.

Damon and Pitt aren't the only famous guests currently at Claridges - JIM CARREY, who is promoting new movie LEMONY SNICKET'S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, and SIR MICK JAGGER, who is living in a suite at the hotel, were both also seen fleeing the scene.