Two fish and chip shops and eight fishermen’s huts in Suffolk have been ravaged after a gas explosion engulfed the wooden structures in flames. The owners of Mrs T’s Fish and Chip Shop in Southwold Harbour said they were “completely heartbroken” after the fire ripped through their premises.
The fire, which took place at Blackshore Quay, started at approximately 1am.
People in the vicinity said they could hear explosions as gas cylinders blew up.
Posting on Facebook, Mrs T’s Fish and Chip Shop told customers: “Not the news we wanted to get woken up to but unfortunately, Mrs T’s has been caught in a fire on the harbour early hours of this morning.
“We are completely heartbroken.
“We want to thank the Fire team for all their hard work throughout the night to put the blaze out.
“We will keep everyone updated via our socials as soon as we know more.”
A woman camping nearby tweeted following the horrendous incident: “Fire at Southwold harbour. We were staying at the campsite and heard the fire, then explosions as the gas bottles exploded.”
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service sent 11 appliances to the incident and are asking people to avoid the area.
A spokesperson said: “A fire overnight has caused extensive damage to fishermens’ huts and two fish and chip shops at Blackshore Quay in Southwold.
“The incident is now over but Ferry Road will be closed off today as investigations get underway and the public is asked to avoid the area.”
