A FLAT above a south Essex restaurant has been left uninhabitable after a fire broke out this morning.

Firefighters were called to the blaze above the Sultana restaurant in London Road, Wickford, as the flat and roof space was full of smoke. 

Essex Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed the flat has now been left uninhabitable after damage caused to the roof.

 

Watch Manager Finbar Tubby said: "The fire which started in the bedroom had spread through to the loft space and into the next property. Crews did a great job to stop it from spreading further. 

"Unfortunately, the residents had no working smoke alarms which could have detected the fire much quicker. We cannot stress enough how important it is to have them on every level of your home. If you haven’t got any or they’re not working, we can fit them for free. Get in touch with our home fire safety team at essex-fire.gov.uk/book or by calling 0300 303 0088.

"Due to the damage to the roof, the flat has been left uninhabitable." 

The cause of the fire has been recorded as undetermined.