Eighty firefighters tackled a major blaze as it tore through a city centre restaurant.

The fire at Japanese restaurant Kashi, in Leicester's Granby Street, broke out shortly after 11.30pm on Sunday night and was still burning last night.

At one point workers and people living nearby were told to shut their windows to keep out the acrid plumes of smoke drifting across the city centre.

Stretches of Granby Street and Charles Street had to be blocked off and there was disruption to neighbouring businesses, many of which were unable to open yesterday.

In the afternoon, firefighters were forced to punch holes in the building's roof to let air in and help the fire burn itself out.

Firefighters had to break into the restaurant, which has been shut for several weeks for refurbishment, but were beaten back by the intense heat.

Most of the roof then collapsed making it unsafe for fire crews to enter the building.

They tackled the fire from above using an aerial platform and from street level.

No casualties were reported but firefighters said they would be unable to establish what caused the blaze until the fire was fully out and the remains of the structure were secure.

Incident commander Bill Smith said tackling the fire was a big challenge. He said: "It was too unsafe to enter the rear of the building so we were left to attack the flames from the outside.

"It was an extremely strong fire. Fortunately we were able to stop it spreading to the adjacent properties but they have suffered some damage from the water used to control the fire. All we have really been able to do is to let the fire burn out."

One eyewitness, who was working in a nearby pub, said: "At the start there was just a bit of smoke but then the flames came roaring out of the first floor windows at the front and then right through the roof leaping high into the air. It was an awesome sight. It was burning good and proper."

Fire investigators were this morning expected to start examining the wreckage to establish how it started.

Geoff How, property manager for recruitment firm Manpower, which is next door to Kashi, said: "We have suffered some water damage – nothing too serious – but it could have been much worse had the fire service not been able to contain the fire. It will be a bit soggy but hopefully we'll be back in within a couple of days."

Leicester City Council building safety officer Chris Moore said he believed the facade of the property in Granby Street could be saved.

He said: "When the fire is out we can sure it up with scaffolding. Other than the front though there is not really anything left.

"There's just debris, a lot of damaged equipment and fittings. Our job is to make sure the area is safe for people using Granby Street and the car parks at the back.

"We will try to get the owners to do that but if something needs doing urgently we will carry out the work."

The Leicester Mercury was unable to contact Kashi's owners.

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