THE owners of a longestablished restaurant gutted in fierce blaze have described the incident as a “terrible disaster” which destroyed 20 years of hard work and dedication.

The fire engulfed the O’Picado restaurant in London Road, Westcliff, and the flat above it last Tuesday.

At least six fire crews battled smoke and flames as the blaze at the Portuguese restaurant in London Road, Westcliff, took hold.

Days after the fire, the restaurant’s owner, posting on Facebook, the owner said: “I just haven’t been myself since last Tuesday’s terrible disaster which destroyed 20 years of work, dedication and memories.

“There have been so many happy moments serving so many, so much love, laughter and enjoyment.

“It’s also where my kids grew up and to learnt the trade, it’s too heartbreaking and too unreal to accept.

“The fire destroyed the flat upstairs which is un-liveable.

“The positive thing is my unhealthy sister, who I look after, managed to get out safely as she was on her own upstairs as I was out.

“The insurance companies are now dealing with it and investigations are being done as it’s unknown how this fire started.

“I just want to thank you everyone for your words of support and I hope that we can all meet again one day when all gets sorted. Thank you all.”

Images released by the fire service after the blaze showed the gutted inside of the restaurant.

Carole Mulroney, Southend Lib Dem, councillor for culture and tourism, said: “Obviously as it’s a long-standing and has been established and built up it is a tragedy to see something like this happen and especially at this time of year.

“It’s also a double tragedy considering what the hospitality sector have been through in recent years.

“Businesses like this have faced a lot with the cost of living crisis and to see a whole life’s work disappear like this is a real tragedy.

“I feel very sorry for them and think it’s a great shame for them to go through this.”

The senior councillor wished the owners the best for the future and spoke of her hopes that the business can make a come back.

She hoped there was some “light at the end of the tunnel”

for the owners of the business.

The fire begun in the Portuguese restaurant at roughly 7.20pm before spreading to the flat above, with firefighters concerned it could spread to other buildings in the “tightly packed” street.

Images released by the fire service after the blaze was extinguished at 8.15pm showed the gutted inside of the restaurant.

A spokesman for Essex Fire Service said: “It has not been possible to establish the cause following a fire investigation.”