A restaurant was damaged in a deliberate fire.

Firefighters were called to Erman’s Kitchen in Fore Street, Harlow this morning (April 14) after reports of a fire.

The fire spread within the roof space and crews quickly rushed to the scene at 5.30 am.

By 8.45am the fire was fully extinguished and the last crews left by 1.45pm, with the building avoiding significant damage.

James Taylor, group manager at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: "I'd like to thank our crews for their quick response to begin managing this incident quickly and professionally in difficult conditions.”

An investigation has determined the fire was deliberate, but further information has not been shared at this time.