Skip to content

Firefighters tackle blaze at Harvester restaurant

James HoreEssex
News imageEssex County Fire & Rescue Service Crews tackling fire at Harvester pubEssex County Fire & Rescue Service

Firefighters have been tackling a blaze at a Harvester restaurant.

Crews were called to the eatery in London Road, Stanway, near Colchester, at 00:50 BST where there was a "rapidly developing fire".

Firefighters brought the blaze under control but the building has been left significantly damaged.

Incident commander Jeremy Tuckwell said: "Crews are expected to remain at the scene for some time. Road closures remain in place, so please avoid the area throughout the morning."

News imageEssex County Fire & Rescue Service A fire safety officer in a yellow and blue hi-vis jacket looks over an aerial ladder platform as it damps down the remains of a burnt-out pub. It is a night scene lit up by bright flood lighting. Essex County Fire & Rescue Service
Crews used an aerial ladder platform to tackle the flames

Tuckwell added: "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."

An investigation into the cause of the fire would take place once the site is safe, Tuckwell added.

News imageLauren Carter/BBC An oval shaped Harvester restaurant sign to the right, appearing above a green hedge. Behind it are the charred remains of a pub restaurant and some smoke is rising from the building. There are two UK Power Network vans to the left and beyond them is a fire engine. There is a red and white hazard warning tape running across the road. Lauren Carter/BBC
Workers from UK Power Networks were also at the scene

Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.