AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a well-known Colchester restaurant was destroyed by fire.
AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a well-known Colchester restaurant was destroyed by fire.
The blaze broke out at about 1.15am and swept through a 16th Century building that is home to both Simla Balti House and Tax Assist Accountants.
People living in the accommodation area above Simla got out safely and no-one was injured in the fire which was brought under control.
Firefighters worked hard to ensure the neighbouring pub - The Marquis of Granby - was not damaged.
It is thought the fire started in the accountancy firm and although it is not being treated as suspicious, an investigation has been launched.
Senior divisional officer Lee Neale said: “Crews have worked extremely hard through the night and the incident has gone well in that firefighters ensured the fire was contained to the buildings where it originally started and did not spread to neighbouring properties, including the pub.
“This is an old building with lots of hidden spaces for the fire to spread through.”
Relief crews remained on the scene and will be there until at least lunchtime today.
The road remains closed to traffic, although one pavement remains open for pedestrians access.
Crews from Colchester and across Essex attended, with more than 30 firefighters tackling the blaze at one point.
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