A FIRE broke out at a takeaway in the early hours of this morning.

Firefighters were called just after midnight and spent around four hours battling the blaze at the Istanbul Restaurant on Whalley Range, Blackburn.

Fire crews had attended after the occupier of the takeaway reported a fire in his extraction system.

Chris Archer, watch manager at Blackburn fire station, said flames could be seen coming from the roof around the back of the takeaway.

Lancashire Telegraph:

He said: "The fire had spread between the void between the ceiling of the takeaway and the flat above.

"There was fire damage to the takeaway and a lot of the ceiling of the takeaway had to be cut away to stop the fire from spreading.

"The takeaway was open at the time and it was just getting ready to shut."

Lancashire Telegraph:

Part of Whalley Range around Oak Street and Wesley Street had to be closed off while emergency services dealt with the incident.

Pictures show police tape wrapped around a telegraph pole at the scene and scattered on the pavement, while the upstairs window of the takeaway can be seen open. 

Eyewitnesses described seeing emergency services at the scene.

One resident said: "I saw police and fire engines outside the takeaway.

"The road had been closed off."

Lancashire Telegraph:

Another resident added: "There were lots of police and fire engines.

"I hope the takeaway isn't too badly damaged and that everyone is okay." 

Two crews from Blackburn, one from Hyndburn and one from Darwen, were called to the fire.

They used four breathing apparatus, two hose reels and a ventilation fan to put out the fire.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Crews left the scene at around 5am.

Nobody was injured.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.