The owner of an Indian restaurant which was wrecked by a fire has spoken of his heartbreak.

Abdul Kahar, owner of Masalla on the corner of South Street and Station Approach, in Braintree, said he still had sleepless nights over the Easter Sunday blaze.

He said: “I’m devastated, I don’t know what to do. I have been coming back every day.

"It’s like a vigil and I have to stop really.”

Mr Kahar, 46, has been clearing the building to prevent it falling victim to thieves.

He said there was not a lot to steal, but added: “The main worry is people could damage themselves if they get inside, because it’s not safe.”

The fire started in an upstairs flat during the afternoon, while Mr Kahar and four other members of staff were serving customers in the restaurant.

He said: “Life is worth more than money and everyone says we were fortunate to get out, but I don’t feel it.

“I have had lots of sleepless nights. Last night, I woke up sweating like I was inside the restaurant and it was on fire again.

“In my heart, I will come back. But there are many factors.”

A fire service spokesman said the cause of the fire was accidental.

See this week's Braintree Times for the full story.