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A fundraiser has been launched to support the much-loved owners of a fish and chip shop that has been devastated by fire.
The blaze, thought to have been caused by an electrical fault, broke out at Beltinge Fish Bar in Reculver Road, Herne Bay, just before 7pm last night.
Servet Altun, who has run the popular business for about five years, had been on the shop floor with three members of staff when the blaze broke out.
After spotting flames coming from beneath the fryer, he bravely tried battling the fire himself.
But it soon grew out of control and he was forced to evacuate the building.
"You know what the fryers are like - there's oil, so everything is so quick," he said. "We thought 'it's not going to be possible to put it out'."
Servet left the till, his phone, and other belongings downstairs and rushed to a flat above the shop, to alert those living there and make sure they got out safely.
The till, containing Friday's takings, was completely melted and charred by the fire.
Shocking photos show the devastation caused. It has gutted the cooking area and left the inside blackened.
But the dad-of-two, who lives in Reculver Road with his wife and children, says he is grateful things turned out the way they did.
"I'm just pleased that nobody's hurt," he said.
"The rest of it, to me, is all cosmetic. Cosmetics can come back. The main thing is everyone is safe - the rest of it is just material.
"We'll reopen, that will come. I can replace my fryer. But if somebody's hurt or in hospital, I wouldn't be able to replace that."
He added his thanks to everyone who has been quick to offer support.
"Thank you to my family, to everyone in Beltinge, my uncles and everybody who's come in," he said. "A special thank you to my uncle Ossie, who has a few fish bars in the area, and came straight away last night and helped me out a lot.
"I am very grateful. Especially with this pandemic, I am very glad to be part of this community."
Eyewitness Rebecca Butler had been picking up food for herself and her daughters when the fire broke out, and told how smoke soon took engulfed the premises.
"I heard shouts and within a minute black smoke and then flames," she said. "It was so hot inside the glass burst out of one of the windows.
"The workers tried desperately to stop it, but the room caught fire very quickly and another man begged them to come out in case it exploded."
Police and three fire engines rushed to scene at about 7.10pm, and firefighters kitted out in breathing apparatus used jets of water and a fog spike to extinguish the fire.
The blaze has prompted an outpouring of heartfelt messages from people across the town, and the community has rallied to offer their support.
Neighbour Michael Godfrey has launched a fundraiser in hope of supporting Servet and his family as they get back on their feet, and to help with clean-up costs while insurance is dealt with.
"As soon as the fire got out of control, Servet went upstairs to the flat to evacuate everyone," said Mr Godfrey. "He left the till and takings and the till melted and all the money was burnt to a cinder.
"He is such a hard-working man and is a pillar of our community. Any support you can provide in these very difficult times, no matter how small, will be much appreciated."
Kate Matharu, who also lives nearby, added: "Thankfully everyone is safe, but their livelihood is in tatters just now. It really could not have come at a worse time for anyone.
"This business has been a stalwart throughout lockdown, opening only when allowed to do so and then serving everyone with a smile.
"I live opposite this shop so I can see the damage first hand. I know times are tough for everyone but I also know the spirit of the people in Herne Bay.
"If you can spare anything to help I know this would be gratefully accepted."
Despite being launched just this morning, donations have been flooding in and the fundraiser has already raised almost £600.
To donate, click here.
