Firefighters are tackling a blaze at a Harvester restaurant near Colchester.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said that its crews were called to London Road in Stanway, at 12.50am on Thursday.
On arrival, firefighters found a rapidly developing fire and immediately requested additional crews to help tackle it from ground level and above.
Incident commander Jeremy Tuckwell said: “Firefighters worked hard to tackle the fire in sections and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings. Unfortunately, the building has suffered severe fire damage.
“Thank you to staff from nearby businesses for their support during the disruption.
“Crews are expected to remain at the scene for some time. As of 6.30am, London Road in Stanway near the roundabout with Essex Yeomanry Way (A1124), on the stretch towards Western Approach is closed, so please avoid the area throughout the morning.”
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