'Devastating' fire severely damages restaurant

Multiple firefighting crews tackled a blaze at the Kingswood Bar and Restaurant in London Apprentice

A kitchen fire has badly damaged a restaurant and hotel and left locals "heartbroken".

Cornwall Fire Service was called out to the Kingswood Bar and Restaurant in London Apprentice, near St Austell, just after 01:55 BST.

Crews from St Austell, Mevagissey, Truro, St Dennis, Fowey, Lostwithiel, Launceston and Perranporth tackled the blaze, the fire service said.

A local parish councillor said the incident was "absolutely devastating".

The fire service said the incident has been scaled down, but crews would monitor the site throughout Friday.

Martin Addinall, Falmouth Fire Station manager, said the blaze was "well developed" when crews arrived at the scene with most of the roof alight.

He added there had been a lot of damage caused to the restaurant and a fire investigation team would attend the site to look into what caused the incident.

He said firefighters had to get National Grid to turn power supplies off locally while the flames were tackled due to a large electricity cable that goes over the restaurant.

Firefighters said a lot of damage has been caused to the restaurant

Mr Addinall said the owner of the property had been left upset by the incident.

"It's a local business with local employees and I'm sure he's going to support his own employees," he said.

"To turn up and see so many vehicles here must be quite a shock."

A road closure was put in place by Devon and Cornwall Police while the incident was dealt with, but the road reopened earlier.

'Heartbreaking' situation

Pentewan Valley Parish Council member Toni Dowrick said the venue was popular and well-known within the local community.

She said it was heartbreaking for the restaurant's owners and employees.

"It's just absolute devastation," Ms Dowrick said.

"We know the heart and soul the owners have put into this over the few months and years and really changed the restaurant and developed their business to a thriving little hotel as well.

"Obviously it is sad to see something destroyed by fire, but to know that people's livelihoods have been destroyed as well."