PICTURES: SEAN CAMPBELL: THIS is the scene tonight at the Mandarin Palace on Queen’s Quay in Derry after a massive fire.
Sean Campbell took these pictures after 130 fire officers from all over the North West finally contained the flames.
The fire is continuing inside vents in the building but the rest of the fire has been doused and contained.
Roads in the area remain closed overnight as crews continue to monitor the situation.
A full investigation will begin at first light into the cause of the fire which is believed to have started in a duct leading to the kitchen area of the popular Chinese restaurant.
Messages of support have been pouring in to the family owned business.
Residents of nearby apartments are spending the night with friends and relatives. The Brooke Park Community Centre was offered to those who didn’t have alternative accommodation.
The PSNI has warned the public that disruption will continue in the area throughout Thursday.
A PSNI Foyle spokesman said: “Police need to make the public aware that there is the potential that the Fire Service and PSNI could be dealing with the blaze on the Quay through to the morning.
“This may affect those travelling to work in the morning as the disruptive diversions may still be in place.
“Please consider and plan your journeys accordingly.
“If you know of others who may be impacted by this please pass on this information. Thank you for your patience.”
