FIREFIGHTERS were called to tackle a major fire in the late hours of yesterday morning at a fish and chip shop at The Marsh, Hythe.

Two jets and two hose reels were used by emergency services to stop the flames that erupted on the first floor and roof of Marina Bar, situated near Hythe pier, after the building was initially evacuated.

Many Hythe shoppers and residents watched on in shock and horror as the fire services did their best to stop the fire and smoke coming from the local favourite takeaway.

The huge cloud of black smoke first seen coming out of the shop was so huge that it could be seen above other buildings in the Hythe area.

A small crane was used by firefighters to access the fire from the top of the building.

Fire services from Hythe, Hardley, Beaulieu, Redbridge, Lyndhurst and St Mary’s were called and attended the scene to help put the fire out as a team.

Nobody was injured as a result of the fire.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews were sent to the fire after receiving a call at 11.16am for a fire at a chip shop.

“Four sets of breathing apparatus, two jets and two reels were used.”

They added: “The first floor of the fish and chip shop suffered 100 percent damage while the ground floor has heavy water damage.

“Crews were damping down the building at 1.30pm after the fire was put out by 1.27pm, and crews had left the scene by 3.30pm.”

No surrounding buildings were affected as a consequence.

The Beaulieu Fire Station Twitter account said: “Both appliances have just returned from a 5 pump 1 ALP Commercial Fire in Hythe. Hard work in challenging conditions prevented fire-spread into neighbouring buildings.”

The police and ambulance did not attend the scene.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown while an investigation is being carried out by the Fire Investigation team at Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

It is expected to take two days until the cause of fire is announced.

At this current stage, it is unknown whether or when the shop will re-open to the public.

This incident comes after a spate of fires that have taken place in the New Forest and Hampshire areas, including a recent fire at Hazle Copse Farm in Beaulieu and another at Green Lane, Upper Kingston.