Kebab shop fire brings Oswestry town centre to a standstill

Flames burst through three floors of the Star Kebab in Leg Street.

Nobody was injured, but damage was caused to the upper floors of the building, emergency services said.

And the blaze, which started at around 4pm brought disruption to the town centre during rush hour.

Staff from the restaurant were not able to be contacted and West Mercia Police was unable to say if anybody is currently living in the upstairs flats.

Firefighters carried out a search of the building and say nobody was inside when the fire broke out yesterday afternoon.

A spokesman for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We sent two pumps from Oswestry, one pump from Ellesmere, an area ladder platform from Wrexham and two operational officers.

"It was a smoke fire and flames were issuing initially on the ground floor of the property in a space of approximately 10m x 15m.

"Fire crews used four breathing apparatus, three hose reel jets and a thermal imaging camera."

Invstigations were continuing today to establish the cause of the fire.

Sergeant Lee Johnson, of West Mercia Police, said: "It was not a major blaze, but it spread through the building. Nobody was inside or injured and we checked on the safety of the building and nearby businesses before we re-opened the area to the public."

Crowds of shoppers stood and watched as the drama unfolded.

Stuart Harris, owner of the Pizza Two Four restaurant which is next door to Star Kebab, said: "I dashed down here because I heard the building next door was on fire.

"I gave the police the keys and they checked my place to be 100 per cent safe, but there is no damage for me.

"I hope it is not too serious for the guys next door."

Shopper Emma Jones, 24, of Smale Rise, Oswestry, said: "It brought this side of town to a halt and everybody wanted to know what was happening, although I don't think it was a serious as it looked.

"When the firefighters opened the upstairs windows smoke came out though, which was quite dramatic.

"I hope the business is okay," she added.

Paul Barrett, 38, of Cabin Lane, added: "I had just been to town for some groceries and saw all the commotion and flashing lights.

"I stayed and watched and am glad nobody is hurt."

He added that as the roads had been left gridlocked, he had decided to walk home and return later to get his car.

The fire was brought under control by about 4.20pm but one crew remained at the scene, checking cooking equipment and gas supplies until about 5.30pm.