Fire in Short Wyre Street, Colchester, was accidental

Firefighters started to tackle the loft fire, affecting two properies at Short Wyre Street at 11am.

It was caused accidentally by a blow torch, during construction work on the roof, and spanned 15 by five metres.

Both loft spaces have been destroyed and the shop below has suffered minor smoke damage.

Areas of the roof were cut away to ensure the fire did not reignite.

It was extinguished within an hour of crews arriving, but traffic is building up at East Hill.

Essex Highways have not been notified of any road closures in place.