Hotel that caught fire was housing asylum seekers

Firefighters were called to a blaze at a hotel in Epping Road, North Weald Bassett

A hotel that caught fire had been providing temporary accommodation for people seeking asylum.

Firefighters from Essex County Fire & Rescue Service were called to a blaze at the Phoenix Hotel, in Epping Road, North Weald Bassett, at about 21:05 GMT on Friday.

The fire, which affected 25% of the hotel, was extinguished by 01:30 on Saturday by 11 fire crews.

A spokesperson from Epping Forest District Council said: "The Home Office operated hotel was being used as a temporary accommodation centre for people seeking asylum."

The fire damaged 25% of the building, but the fire service said no-one was injured

People staying at a hotel were taken to alternative accommodation after the building was evacuated.

Area manager Dan Partridge said: "We are grateful that the building was evacuated so efficiently, and no one suffered any injuries."

Fire crews said nobody was injured and an investigation into the cause of the blaze is set to take place.