Three flats uninhabitable after electrical fire

Crews were called to Market Place, Saffron Walden, at about midday on Thursday

Three flats have been left uninhabitable after a fire in an electrical cupboard.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said crews attended the blaze in Market Place, Saffron Walden, at about 11:47 GMT on Thursday, after receiving multiple 999 calls.

It was under control after 45 minutes, involved an "electrical installation" and an investigation into its cause had started, it added.

The building suffered extensive smoke and fire damage and businesses were left without electricity due to a power outage caused by the fire.

Businesses in the area lost power for a while

The fire service said bar staff acted quickly to evacuate the premises.

"The fire, which involved an electrical installation, made initial firefighting efforts challenging," it added.

Crews believed the blaze started in a cupboard

Kevin Jenner, station manager, said: "The building has suffered extensive smoke and fire damage, leaving three residential flats uninhabitable.

"Businesses in the area were also impacted due to a power outage caused by the fire.

"Crews worked alongside UK Power Networks to make the area safe and ensure the fire was fully extinguished."

Fire crews from Saffron Walden, Newport and Stansted, and the Hazardous Area Response Team, attended the scene

Six firefighters used breathing apparatus to put out the fire