Fire-ravaged Bury St Edmunds restaurant 'unsafe'

A fire-ravaged 17th Century building in Suffolk has been declared "unsafe" by firefighters.

Crews remain at the scene amid fears the structure, used as a Strada restaurant, in Bury St Edmunds could collapse.

The blaze was reported at 21:00 BST on Saturday. The 120 people inside were led to safety before crews arrived.

Suffolk County Councillor Colin Spence said the fire was "devastating for local people, visitors and the town".

Crews said it spread quickly after igniting in the cellar of the five-storey 17th Century building, known as Cupola House.

An iconic building has been very badly damaged by this fire”

A fire service spokesman said: "Once the fire had taken hold there was significant structural collapse to the rear of the premises.

"The now unsupported front facade of the building has buckled and is in an unsafe position, resulting in the area close to the building being cordoned off."

About 80 firefighters tackled the blaze at its height.

Crews are expected to remain at the scene throughout the "early part of the week" to protect neighbouring properties and tackle "deep seated pockets of fire".

Mr Spence, a Conservative councillor, said: "This is a real tragedy and an iconic building has been very badly damaged by this fire.

"This is undoubtedly devastating for local people, visitors and the town as a whole.

"I am grateful that the immediate action of Strada staff ensured that everyone was evacuated safely and quickly and the professional and swift action of firefighters stopped the fire spreading to neighbouring properties."

About 20 shops were unable to open on Sunday and some were expected to remain closed on Monday.