Blaze engulfs first floor and roof of fish and chip shop

FLAMES ripped through the first floor of a fish and chip shop in the second emergency at the premises in 24 hours.

Around 25 firefighters from across the New Forest responded to the blaze which broke out at the Marina Fish Bar in The Marsh, Hythe, around 11.15am today (Thursday). No injuries were reported.

Flames were also engulfing the roof, sending plumes of thick black smoke billowing into the air, as the crews battled for over two hours to contain the incident with the aid of an aerial ladder platform and breathing apparatus.

By the time the fire had been extinguished, the first floor was completely destroyed and there was heavy water damage downstairs.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said crews were carrying out an investigation in a bid to establish the cause.

Yesterday, firefighters responded to a small blaze involving a deep fat fryer at the takeaway around 2.45pm, arriving to find it was out but the room was filled with smoke which they vented.