The future of a fish and chip shop destroyed by flames hangs in the balance, as neighbours tell of the terrifying moment they were told to leave their homes.

A shop worker banged on doors in Cherry Tree Avenue, in Dover, to warn people of the eruption of flames after the blaze broke out at The Cod Father last weekend.

Helen Clay, who lives next door to the stricken building, was among those to evacuate.

She said: "It was so scary. I thought my own house was going to catch fire.

"A man working at Aldi nearby got us all out by banging on our doors and telling us to get out, that there was a fire.

"When we came out we saw the flames were absolutely lapping the shop from the bottom.

"They then went right to the roof and the smoke was horrendous.

"We had to stay out of our houses for five hours.

"At first we congregated in the street and then stayed in other neighbours' homes for warmth."

Mrs Clay got safely out with her husband Graham and pet dog and she left her back door open for her four cats to get out safely.

In the end the damage to her house was one small hole in the loft after part of the roofing of the stricken building collapsed.

Jeanette Short, who lives three doors from The Cod Father, was also alerted to the blaze by the Aldi worker.

She told Kent Online: "There were several fire engines out there and the flames seemed to be coming out from everywhere. It was really frightening for everyone."

The fire, which destroyed The Cod Father, began just after 1.30pm last Saturday.

It started in the ground floor area and then spread to the upstairs flat. It is believed to have started from a fryer.

Now, owner Parminder Singh says he is unsure whether to rebuild the business, which is leased out to managers.

He said: "I don't know what do do at the moment, I am still in shock and it has been very stressful.

"I was not at the premises that afternoon but one of my employees rang me to tell me about the fire.

"I went straight down there and saw the fire engines were already there and the road was closed."

Two fire engines and a height vehicle attended the blaze and crews wearing breathing apparatus tackled flames on both floors with hose reel jets and main jets.

Kent Police also attended, along with the Kent Fire and Rescue Service Volunteer Response Team to provide support to the occupants.

Fire crews were at the scene until just after 8pm.

A KFRS spokesman said: "No injuries were reported and it’s believed the fire started accidentally when a fryer containing oil caught alight."

Cherry Tree Avenue had to be closed to traffic during the emergency but was re-opened by 8pm.

Mrs Clay added: "The fire brigade were fantastic. They were so caring towards us.

"They offered to have us put up in a hotel but we didn't need it in the end."