Harwich pub and cottages destroyed in fire

Firefighters from the Essex Fire Service were called to Church Street, in Harwich, shortly before 8am yesterday and remained at the scene for several hours.

In total 11 crews were sent from stations in Dovercourt, Clacton, Manningtree, Frinton, Weeley, Brightlingsea, West Mersea, Corringham, Leader Roding, Colchester and Ipswich, as well as two aerial ladder platforms.

Paramedics from the East of England Ambulance Service were also called into action and rushed to the scene to provide assistance.

After arriving, the crews found the Hanover Inn watering hole was engulfed in flames and the fire had already spread to neighbouring buildings, believed to be historic cottages.

Essex Police officers cordoned off the area and some residents were evacuated from their homes.

Power to 177 homes in the area was also cut due to safety concerns.

Members of the public and motorists were urged to avoid the area while residents were instructed to keep their windows and doors closed.

Firefighters eventually extinguished the fire by 1.45pm and are said to have made “good progress” quickly in containing the blaze and limiting the spread.

Despite their best efforts, however, the properties suffered “extensive damage” and one video seen by the Gazette showed the Hanover Inn with a collapsed roof.

The gas and electric to the affected properties was isolated and a relief crew of six fire engines remained at the scene to monitor the situation.

Sadly, two families have been left homeless as a result of the fire and two further properties have been damaged.

A fire investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the fire.

Incident commander, Craig McLellan, said: "Crews have worked incredibly hard in difficult conditions throughout the day.

"While two buldings have sadly been destroyed, we're pleased to report that nobody was injured as a result of the fire.

"We'd like to thank the public for their patience and understanding."

Helen Winrow, who lives at the back of Government House, said: “I was awoken at 8am by the sirens and they kept going, so I got out of bed.

“As I walked past the window I saw a fire engine directly parked in front of us. They then evacuated the area and closed off all of the roads.

“I saw the smoke coming from the pub, which is our local, so I was really concerned. I then saw the firefighters trying to break into the pub.

“We then saw the smoke was starting to spread to the roofs of the beautiful 17th century timber cottages alongside the pub – there were terrible flames.

“The fire also spread to the wall of an electrical shop at the corner of the street. I have lived here most of my life but this is heart-breaking and absolutely awful.”

Earnest Johnson, who has lived in Harwich for ten years, said he saw and heard the moment the emergency services rushed to the scene.

He said: “I am working at home and I heard at least ten, if not more, fire engines whizz past and so I had a feeling it was something quite serious.

“I have never seen anything like this since I have lived here. There is a lot of history in Harwich so anything of this nature is never nice – it is such a shame.”

Councillor Ivan Henderson, who is the mayor of Harwich, reacted to the devastating scenes.

He said: “My first concern is for the people’s safety and I hope everyone is being looked after.

“I am currently away at the moment but I am monitoring the situation and when I return my first priority will be to visit the scene.

“I will also work with all the relevant agencies to make sure everyone is looked after and I will make myself available to anyone who needs support.

“It is a tragic situation and many will be devastated by this fire. But buildings can be replaced, people can’t.”

Following the horrifying incident Tendring Council prepared a rest centre to provide shelter, food and drink to those affected.

David Todd, the landlord of the pub has also since confirmed to the Gazette his staff members were not injured as a result of the blaze and are "thankfully" safe.

UPDATE: Firefighters remain at scene of devastating pub inferno more than 12-hours on

Crew members from Weeley Fire Station and an aerial ladder platform team from Colchester Fire Station currently remain at the scene in Church Street, Harwich.

They are dampening down several hotspots caused by the fire. Fire crews also remained at the site throughout the night.

A spokesman for the Essex Fire Service said: “An investigation to establish the cause of the fire is also underway. We have been working closely with our partners.”