One hundred firefighters tackle blaze at Indian restaurant in Croydon

By Rafi Mauro-Benady

One hundred firefighters tackled a blaze as it engulfed an Indian restaurant and offices above, and forced the closure of Croydon town centre.

Emergency services were called at 4.30pm yesterday, with crews from 15 engines tackling the fire in George Street.

The fire broke out at the Saravana Bhavan restaurant, but then spread to offices on the second and third floor above it.

Crews from 12 districts were called, including Norbury, West Norwood and Forest Hill.

Staff working at the restaurant made it out before the fire brigade arrived.

Twitter user @plummydummy expressed their sadness at the loss of the restaurant.

They said: “Looks like the Saravana Bhavan restaurant that’s on fire in Croydon :(.”

Station Commander Jason Jones said: “Firefighters are working hard to tackle the fire in difficult conditions.

“We are using the drone to help us gain a better view of the fire from above.”

He added that the fire also affected Croydon’s transport network.

He said: “The town centre has been cordoned off and the tram lines in the area have been affected due to the smoke.

“It is likely that we will be at the scene most of the evening.”

Residents in neighbouring properties have been moved as a precaution.

No injuries have been reported.

Pictured top: Firefighters tackle the blaze at the Saravana Bhavan restaurant (Picture: London Fire Brigade)