FIREFIGHTERS tackling a major blaze at a derelict restaurant in Fyfield believe the fire could have been started deliberately.

Four fire crews - from Ongar, Chelmsford and Leaden Roding - were called to the former Haque Empire Indian restaurant in Ongar Road shortly before 3.45pm.

The two-storey building - best known from its days as the Gypsy Mead restaurant - was "well alight" and it is expected that firefighters could be on the scene for another three hours.

Divisional Fire Officer Justin Johnston, speaking at the scene to Epping Forest Guardian online reporter Suzy Whitaker, said: "At the moment were treating it as suspicious. The initial local crew arrived and as soon as they got to the fire realised it was a four-pump incident and called for an aerial ladder platform from Chelmsford.

"The crew was concerned for the chandelier factory next door but they're now making good progress externally as there are no life risks."

Mr Johnston added: "It's not the first fire there, there was another one last week. Crews are making good progress but it's expected to take another three hours of firefighting."

Today's blaze is the second in as many weeks with neighbours now calling for something to be done.

Neighbour Andrew Hunt, who has lived next to the site for ten years, said: "My dog was outside barking but I thought it was just kids taking a short cut from school.

"There was an arson attack here a couple of weeks ago but I think they tackled it pretty quickly and nothing more was done about it.

"The council has to do something about it. They should have done something about it five years ago when it was first ton fire. There are rats, travellers breaking into it and squatting there, but the problem is they don't know who it belongs to."

The former restaurant has stood derelict since another fire ripped through the premises some years ago. Since then the area has become overgrown and neglected.

Two years ago Epping Forest District Council refused to grant permission for a proposed development of 19 homes on the site.

Are you in the Fyfield area? What can you see of the fire? Have you got any pictures or can you give us an eyewitness account? Text brief details, and photos from your mobile phone to 07710 447868, or email djackman@london.newsquest.co.uk