A large fire has broken out at a former restaurant in North Yorkshire.
Multiple fire crews were called out to the blaze on Old Great North Road in Brotherton at about 22:15 BST on Monday.
The empty building had previously been occupied by Thaal Indian Restaurant, which closed its doors in February after 20 years at the site.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service urged people living nearby to keep windows shut and avoid the A162 and Old Great North Road, which were closed by police.
The area on fire overnight measured 25m by 20m (82ft by 66ft), according to the fire service.
Crews from West Yorkshire, as well as Selby, Tadcaster and York remain at the scene, where “good progress is being made to extinguish the fire”.
Posting on social media, a spokesperson for the former restaurant said: “We’ve woken up to the heartbreaking news that our old Thaal Brotherton building has caught fire.
“That building wasn’t just a building to us – it was a huge part of the Thaal story.
“For 20 years, from 2006, we shared countless memories there with our staff, customers, families and friends.
“So many laughs, celebrations, busy nights, special occasions and unforgettable moments happened within those walls.
“We’re thinking of everyone involved and hope everyone is safe.”
Discussing the closure of surrounding roads, North Yorkshire Police said: “The closure is expected to remain in place for some time while investigation work is carried out at the scene.”
