A fire has ripped through a historic 19th-century golf club in London, with smoke visible for miles.
Firefighters from Loughton, Waltham Abbey, and other teams were called to the fire at West Essex Golf Club, near the M25 at 2.40pm on Monday.
Six fire crews, consisting of around 60 firefighters, are currently tackling the flames as smoke billows through the sky.
The whole of the golf club’s two storey building has been affected by the fire.
Orla Minihane, Reform candidate for the area, told Metro: ‘It’s absolutely burnt to the ground and all the roads are closed off locally.
‘It’s over a 100 years old and the grounds are absolutely stunning.
‘I’ve had my children’s christenings there, holy communions and loads of family parties there. It’s absolutely devastating to be honest.’
An Essex County Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: ‘When the first fire crews arrived, they confirmed everyone was accounted for and no one was injured.
‘Additional fire engines were requested to support.
‘Firefighters are making good progress tackling the large fire.
‘Fire crews are working hard to prevent the fire spreading to the rear of the building.
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‘An investigation will be carried out, when safe to do so, to find the cause of the fire.’
Essex firefighters are being supported by nearby fire crews from London Fire Brigade and Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service.
The situation is ongoing as crews continue their efforts to prevent thebring the fire under control.
The clubhouse, which overlooks views of the Epping Forest and the City of London, was opened on May 14, 1989, by Sir Michael Bonallack OBE.
Founded in 1900, the West Essex Golf Club’s course was designed by golfing icon James Braid.
The course, with it’s elevated views of the vibrant London skyline, it is an example of one of the 400 courses Mr Braid was involved with.
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