Streets were cordoned off outside the Thai Cottage restaurant in London’s Soho theatre and nightlife district.

The ambulance service dispatched a Hazardous Area Response Team unit to Monday night’s alarm.

Firefighters dressed in special suits broke down the doors and discovered the source of the smell: chef Chalemchai Tangjariyapoon’s fiery signature nam prik pao chili sauce.

And here - it’s the first smell of autumn.