Overview
- The Harvester restaurant was gutted by a rapidly developing blaze in the early hours of Thursday, October 15, leaving the building beyond saving.
- Essex Fire and Rescue Service deployed multiple crews, four fire engines and an Aerial Ladder Platform and tackled the fire in sections to protect neighbouring properties.
- Crews remained on scene on Thursday morning damping down hotspots and using aerial and ground resources to make the area safe.
- The cause of the fire is not yet known and a formal investigation will begin only after firefighters have confirmed the site is safe to enter.
- London Road near the Essex Yeomanry Way roundabout remained closed, causing heavy traffic and affecting local businesses while emergency operations continue through the day.