The Parliament building on Duke Street in Kingston was evacuated yesterday afternoon after employees detected smoke inside.

Firefighters from the York Park Fire Station, who were quick on the scene, later gave the all-clear for the employees to return after it was discovered that the smoke was coming from an overheated air-conditioning unit.

Assistant Fire Superintendent, Dennis Lyon, said the smoke originated in the northern section of Gordon House.

He said the air-conditioning unit overheated after a power cut.

According to employees, they detected smoke and later heard shouts to vacate the building.

That was the second incident at Parliament yesterday.

Earlier yesterday morning, thieves broke into the building and stole computers and a flat-screen TV.

According to detectives, who were seen coming from the building following the smoke incident, no leads have yet been found, but investigations continue into the incident.

- C.B.