A popular restaurant has been forced to close its doors for several days after a devastating fire ripped through its kitchen - forcing part of the street to be closed off.

Manjaros in Middlesbrough has forged its name as one of the region's firm favourites, but on Sunday (November 27) - flames were seen coming out of parts of the building on Linthorpe Road. 

At around 10.30am, firefighters were seen battling the fire in the restaurant's kitchen area, which shut off part of Linthorpe Road - leaving passers-by worried about the restaurant and neighbouring buildings.  

One person was injured during the incident, Cleveland Fire Brigade has confirmed, and the eaterie has announced on Facebook that it will be shut for "at least a few days" following the fire.

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A spokesperson for Cleveland Fire Brigade said the flames spread into the timber ceiling and they treated one casualty before the arrival of the North East Ambulance Service.

Cleveland Fire Brigade sent five fire engines and its aerial platform to extinguish the flames, with crew members erecting a cordon from the restaurant to Boro Pizza further down the street.

A spokesperson for the brigade said: "Six breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets were used to extinguish the fire." They said the frying range was damaged and the fire spread to timber ceiling and floor joists between the ground and first floor.

They added: "One casualty was treated by fire brigade personnel until the arrival of the North East Ambulance Service."

The brigade activity was at the back of the premises, and into Clarendon Road, next to clothes shop Triads. 

The cordon was in place for several hours as crews investigated for signs that the flames had spread.

A top-floor flat above Manjaros had its windows wide open suggesting smoke had filtered its way in.

Meanwhile, a statement from the manager of Manjaros said: "Unfortunately due to a fire in the kitchen this morning, the restaurant will be closed for at least a few days."

Half of the restaurant was shuttered, while the other half was unshuttered and tables and chairs could be seen in situ through the window.

At the time of the fire, a brigade spokeswoman said: "We got the initial call at 10.29am, we've currently got five fire appliances in attendance, and a carp, which is a fire vehicle with large extending ladders.

We were using breathing apparatus but that has now been discontinued, and we were also using a hose reel jet.

We are expecting it to be quite a protracted incident, so we do think that it may be ongoing for at least another three or four hours."

Crews left the scene around 1.45pm.

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