Lakeside's Miller and Carter floating restaurant compared to 'Titanic' as it appears to sink

A popular floating restaurant in Essex appears to be sinking.

Miller and Carter, at the Lakeside shopping centre, was captured on camera by onlookers on Friday morning partially submerged.

The fire service confirmed there is no risk to life and the situation is being controlled by the owners.

However the cause of the popular steakhouse's sinking remains unclear at this time.

Some took to social media to express their concern, with one customer writing: "Looks like my family meal is cancelled!"

Another person wrote: "Going down like the Titanic."

Other customers have tried to contact the site, with many worried about Christmas Day bookings they had at the restaurant.

A statement on the restaurant's Facebook page said: "Dear Guests, Unfortunately we will be closed until further notice due to structural issues.

"We will contact every guest as soon as possible, for safety reasons we are unable to access our restaurant to answer any phone calls.

"Management will be calling all guests with upcoming bookings. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused."

A spokesperson for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were informed of the incident, but as no one was onboard (everyone was safely evacuated) there were no life risks and therefore we were not required to attend.

"The incident has been left in the care of the site owners."