Fire damages Grade II listed former court building

Flames were seen coming from the roof of Sessions House in Sleaford on Wednesday evening

A historical former court building in Lincolnshire has been damaged by fire.

Fire crews were called to Sessions House in Market Place, Sleaford on Wednesday evening.

An eyewitness said the fire had spread to the roof of the Grade II listed building, which houses a restaurant, and had caused it to collapse.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue said: "We are advising all residents in the area to keep doors and windows shut due to the amount of smoke."

A worker at Pizza Delight nearby said the whole building had been shut and "the area has been closed by police officers".

A woman who works at the Solo Bistro Bar Hotel added the roof collapsed and at least five or six fire engines were at the scene.

"There is police presence. They've had to cordon off all the market place and traffic isn't allowed. There's lots of people being nosey and obviously lots of people taking photos and videos," she said.

Ken Hanslip, who owns a shop nearby, said: "It's devastating for the businesses involved. Their livelihood at the moment is on hold. It's a terrible thing.

"The good thing is that no one so far has been injured. The fire brigade has been marvellous. They've done wonders."

Fire crews were called to Market Place in Sleaford on Wednesday evening

The building was completed in 1831 and was built by local architect Henry Edward Kendall.

It was designed with a gothic-style, featuring arched windows, embattled parapets, and medieval details.

According to The Sleaford and District Civic Trust, Sessions House ceased to be a court in 2008 and was converted into a restaurant.

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