POLICE and fire crews were called to a blaze at a popular restaurant in the heart of Leigh yesterday.

Leigh Tandoori, in Leigh Road, is now closed following the fire, which started outside the restaurant and spread to the kitchen.

Owner Yusef Khan said he would reopen by the end of the week.

He said: “We don’t open at lunchtime so I was the only one here.

“My neighbours told me the fire had started.

“Fortunately, I don’t think anybody was hurt and we will definitely be open again by Friday.”

The alarm was raised shortly after 2pm and five fire crews raced to the scene.

They found a wooden staircase behind the restaurant engulfed in flames, which then spread to the restaurant.

Within minutes of the fire starting, a plume of smoke could be seen from as far away as Leigh fire station.

Nearby Landsdowne Avenue was closed to accommodate the fire engines and allow safe access to the rear of the restaurant.

Essex Fire and Rescue divisional commander Bob Wahl took charge of the incident.

He said: “Nobody needed to be rescued, but we did have to force entry into some first floor premises to check nobody was trapped.

“We have called in the Fire Investigation Team because we have no idea how the fire started.

“The fire was quite dramatic, but we did a good job because it was under control very quickly.”

The intensity of the fire scorched the corner of a neighbouring building and melted some green waste bins.

Three crews from Southend, including those who operate the aerial ladder platform, were called as well as crews from Leigh and Hadleigh. Police also closed Leigh Road outside the restaurant while the emergency was dealt with.