THREE fire crews were needed to put out a kitchen fire at a restaurant in Billericay this afternoon.

Firefighters were called to the Feast of Bengal in Meadow Rise shortly before 4pm this afternoon.

Upon arrival crews reported that 30 per cent of the kitchen was well alight.

Firefighters wore breathing apparatus, used one jet and two hose reels to extinguish the blaze by 4.30pm.

A high pressure fan was then used to clear the building of smoke.

Gary Hastings, station officer at Basildon fire station, said: "They were closed for lunch so there were no cassualties.

"The kitchen has suffered fire damage and the restaurant itself was smoke logged, the cause of the fire is not yet known.

"It was a small job but they won't be open for a few days at least."