Investigations ongoing into Clacton-on-Sea fire
The fire happened on West Avenue
A fire in Clacton-on-Sea is still being investigated after multiple buildings were destroyed in the town centre.
Businesses on West Avenue have had their buildings either destroyed or severely damaged by the fire, with Easy Mobility Services and Codgers' shopfronts unrecognisable.
Nearby resident James Jacques said: "We hope it's not just left destitute."
"We walked past these businesses all the time."
Paul, who lives on the street said: "I saw the fire bellowing out the top."
"It was quite bad."
"I had to shut my top windows as the smoke was coming through."
"They have been there for years and they were good people."
Mrs Selway who used Codgers to move out four weeks ago said: "They did a really good job."
"I'm gutted for them, gutted for both businesses."
"They are a nice bunch of people."
Will Lodge, Corporate Communications Manager at Tendring District Council, said they supported the fire service in evacuating nearby residents.
"We are still supporting a dozen people at Clacton leisure centre."
"We also have structural engineers on site, who will conduct a full and thorough assessment of the building when it is safe to do so."
"People went to a number of different locations when the fire first began and we want to give a huge thank you to Premier Inn who opened their doors in the early hours to support some people."