Investigation into fire at family-run restaurant

An investigation is under way to determine the cause of a fire at a small family-run restaurant and residential property.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) was called to Bengal Balti on Hill Street in Lydney at 03:17 GMT on Monday.

A spokesperson for the service said the fire had started in the kitchen of the restaurant before it spread to an adjoining property. Nobody was injured and the incident was over by 08:47, the fire service confirmed.

The restaurant thanked the "incredible" fire service and the community, and said it would be closed until further notice.

A spokesperson for GFRS said six fire engines, a water carrier and an aerial ladder platform had been sent to the scene.

The restaurant and the adjoining commercial property was 50% damaged by the fire and 100% damaged by smoke, according to the fire service.

The first floor flat above the restaurant sustained 10% damage by fire and 50% damage by smoke, it added.

In a post on Facebook, the restaurant owners confirmed that they were safe.

"Last night, our beloved restaurant - our home and a place filled with so many memories - was damaged by a fire.

"It's something we never imagined we'd wake up to, and our whole team is feeling the shock today. This community has always been the heart of everything we do, and your support means more than you know."

The owners said they would work with the fire service to understand what had caused the fire.

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