Update: Crews called for an extra two appliances at 10:53hrs as they continued to fight the blaze using three main jets and one hose reel jet.

Firefighting operations were hampered by a gas leak. At 11:51hrs crews reported that the gas supply had been isolated and that crews are working to tackle the fire and eliminate hot-spots.

FIRE Crews are tackling a fire in a restaurant in Old Harlow.

The incident commander reports that the restaurant – which measures 20m by 50m – is 20% alight and 80% smoke logged.

YH understands it is the Crystal Palace chinese restaurant.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using two hose reel jets to tackle the blaze.

More to follow.