Firefighters release update after Bishopstoke Toby Carvery blaze

Firefighters say there is no indication that serious fire at a Toby Carvery restaurant was suspicious.

Crews were called in the early hours of Sunday morning to the eatery in the Bishopstoke area of Eastleigh.

The alarm was raised at 3:45am with multiple units sent to the scene.

At its height, six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform and four main jets were being used by firefighters to extinguish the fire.

Photographs posted by Hampshire and Isle of Eight Fire and Rescue service show severe damage to the roof of the building.

The force has urged residents who live nearby to keep windows and doors shut because of the smoke.

Drivers were warned to avoid the B3037 Bishopstoke Road/Fair Oak Road but the road has now reopened.

By 7:30am the operation had been scaled back.

At lunchtime Incident Commander Mark Caplen said, "Our teams were called at 3:40 am this morning to tackle a significant fire at a restaurant in Bishopstoke. Crews worked tirelessly and efficiently to contain the blaze, which had spread to the building’s roof and first floor.

"Firefighters are continuing efforts at the scene to identify and extinguish remaining hotspots as part of the ongoing process of turning over and damping down. This work is expected to continue throughout the remainder of the afternoon.

"The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time, though there is no indication of suspicious circumstances.”

ITV News Meridian's been told the restaurant will not reopen in the near future because of the damage to the roof and structure of the building.

A spokesperson for Toby Cavery comments, "We are grateful and wish to thank the emergency services who have responded to the fire at our Bishopstoke restaurant which has ensured no one was harmed or injuries occurred.

"Once we have a clear understanding of the cause and extent of the damage we will provide further updates on the timeline for the reopening of the restaurant.

"In the meantime, we apologise to guests who were planning to visit us and are currently contacting them to offer alternative options at our nearest Toby Cavery in Hilsea, or at our sister restaurants which locally include Harvester, Vintage Inns and carvery at the White Swan in Mansbridge."

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