AN investigation has been launched into a fire at a bakers in Ongar.

The blaze occurred at the rear of the shop on the first floor of the building in the High Street.

Fire-fighters using breathing apparatus extinguished the blaze at 4.13am today (Saturday) and one crew remained until 7am to damp down and check for hot spots.

Fire crews from Epping, Harlow, Brentwood, Ingatestone and Great Baddow attended the blaze.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police are investigating the cause of the fire.