A ROMSEY chippy has closed for business after it went up in flames this afternoon.

About 20 firefighters were called to tackle the blaze which started at the Deep Blue Fish and Chip shop at about 4pm. It was closed at the time.

The fire was contained in the shop but smoke was bellowing from the doors and roof vents and filled the manger's upstairs flat.

Clothing and stock in a neighbouring Cancer Research UK charity shop were also damaged by smoke.

Incident commander Rob Burns from Hampshire Fire Service said the cause of the fire was under investigation. It is thought to have started by a chip fryer.

Residents arriving for a fish supper at the Church Street restaurant were left waiting behind police cordons as firefighter tackled the blaze and ventilated the area.