A POPULAR pub and at least two other properties - believed to be historic cottages - have suffered “extensive” damage as a result of a “major fire”.
Firefighters from the Essex Fire Service were called to Church Street, in Harwich, shortly before 8am today and currently remain at the scene.
After arriving, the crews found the Hanover Inn was engulfed in flames and the inferno had spread neighbouring buildings.
Essex Police officers subsequently cordoned off the area and reports suggest residents were evacuated for their own safety.
In total 12 emergency service “appliances” were sent to the scene of the ongoing incident.
Since then, firefighters are said to have “good progress” in containing the blaze and limiting the spread, but disruption is expected to continue for several hours.
As a result, the public are being urged to avoid the area and those who live locally are asked to keep their windows and doors closed.
LIVE BLOG: Harwich street shut down after fire at Hanover Inn
Craig McLellan, incident commander, said: “The affected properties have sadly seen extensive damage but our crews are working hard to minimise any further damage.
“I’d like to thank Essex Police, East of England Ambulance Service and Tendring Council who are all on-site to assist with the incident this morning.”
David Todd, the landlord of the Hanover Inn, has confirmed his staff members have not been injured as a result of the blaze and are "thankfully" safe.
He has decided against commenting further at this stage.
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