A devastating fire has erupted at the Harvester restaurant located on Coastguard Road in the town of Littlehampton, West Sussex. The incident, which unfolded on Thursday morning at approximately 08:50 am, has left local residents and authorities alike in a state of alarm as fire crews battle to bring the raging inferno under control.

Eyewitnesses near the scene recounted the harrowing moments when the blaze took hold, describing a series of explosions that rocked the area. The initial outbreak sent thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky, casting an ominous shadow over the coastal town. William Parker, who was among the first to witness the fire, shared his experience with BBC Radio Sussex:

"We have been sitting watching it with families who have come down to the beach. We thought we could see rain clouds, but it was thick black smoke. There are about five fire engines and a couple of cars. We have heard some explosions and we have seen the roof collapse from here. It seems to be getting a bit better now, the explosions have stopped. I could hear really loud bangs which echoed around the area."

The response from emergency services was swift and comprehensive, with ten fire engines and an aerial ladder platform promptly dispatched to the scene. West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service wasted no time in confronting the formidable blaze, which reportedly ignited in the restaurant's kitchen and rapidly escalated, extending to the building's roof. The intensity of the fire led to the collapse of the roof, exacerbating the already dire situation.

Speaking on behalf of the fire service, a spokesperson for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service provided insight into the ongoing efforts to control the fire: "At 8.51 am, we were called to a fire at a restaurant in Coastguard Road, Littlehampton. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with a fire in the kitchen, which has since spread to the roof. We currently have ten fire engines and an aerial ladder platform at the scene, working hard to bring the fire under control. Due to the large smoke plume, we would ask all residents to avoid the area, including the seafront, and to keep their doors and windows closed. All roads surrounding Coastguard Road have been closed. There are no injuries, and everyone has been accounted for."

The sheer ferocity of the blaze has left local authorities and residents concerned about the impact on the surrounding area. The advice to avoid the vicinity and seal doors and windows is a precautionary measure aimed at minimizing potential risks associated with the billowing smoke. As the fire service battles the flames, there is a palpable tension in the air, and the community's thoughts are firmly with the firefighters on the front lines.

The Harvester restaurant, once a popular local haunt for dining and socialising, has been reduced to a charred and smouldering shell. The heartbreak is palpable for both the owners and the community members who have frequented the establishment over the years. The loss of a beloved establishment will be deeply felt, underscoring the unpredictable nature of disasters such as this.