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Firefighters have tackled a blaze at a town centre fast food restaurant.

Three crews from Essex and one from London attended the extraction system fire in KFC, Loughton High Street.

Flats above the restaurant and adjacent shops were evacuated because of smoke from the blaze, which started at about 12.40pm.

The shop was completely smoke logged, and firefighters used two hose reel jets to tackle the flames.

Shortly after 2pm, crews reported good progress but said there were fears the fire could have spread to the roof.

Thermal imaging cameras were used to look for 'hot spots' and cutting equipment was used to access them.

The fire was extinguished by 3.14pm, with crews remaining at the scene to dampen any remaining heat.