The owners of a popular takeaway in Aberdeen have vowed to get “back up and running” as soon as they can after a “devastating” fire ripped through their city centre business.
More than 40 firefighters were called to Fresh Mex on Schoolhill at 10am on Monday.
Staff and customers at the premises, as well as those at nearby businesses, were forced out when black smoke quickly billowed out of the front door and into the sky.
Flats above Fresh Mex were also evacuated.
Yesterday, the doors were still shut on the award-winning eatery, while its windows were severely damaged and blackened by the fire.
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However, some parts of the interior were left relatively unscathed.
The owners of Fresh Mex have now offered their thanks to the public and the emergency services for their support during their time of need.
A statement from the owners said: “We want to say a huge thanks for all the messages, calls, emails and kind words received from everyone after the devastating fire at Fresh Mex in Schoolhill.
“Fortunately, no members of the public or our team were hurt as the fire quickly spread in the unit – and the fast-acting fire service managed to contain the flames to our unit only.
“A massive thank you to all the crew on site for their brave work.
“We are extremely grateful that everyone was okay, especially the residents above and fellow local businesses beside – again, thank you for the support and understanding.
“We will continue to be open as normal, seven days a week from the Adams and The Hawthorn sports bar, as well as our Deliveroo operations across Aberdeen.
“There is a lot of hard work ahead, but we will be back up and running from Schoolhill as soon as we can, and will of course keep you all updated as things progress.
“Our heartfelt thanks – it really is appreciated.”