A family's devastation is "beyond words" after a fire ripped through their Maidstone restaurant and nightclub business.

At around 2.30am a blaze started at Mu Mu, in Week Street, and crews battled the flames for hours, before getting it under control later this morning.

At its height, 60 firefighters were on the scene, with an extensive cordon placed around the area.

Shocking drone images revealed the extensive damage caused to the roof. No one was injured in the blaze and an investigation will be launched into the cause of the fire.

The venue has been owned by Ciaran O'Quigley for 29 years and made up of four places – FiFi's Brasserie, cocktail lounge the Laundry Room, cabaret club Mu Mu and Irish pub Nellie Gerkins.

The fire comes less then a week before social distancing rules are to be scrapped in England, something those in the hospitality industry, particularly nightclubs have long called for.

A statement released by Mr O'Quigley's daughter, Sineal, on behalf of Mu Mu, said: "In the early hours of Wednesday, July 14, a devastating fire ripped through our building – taking with it our Madame Mu Mu Restaurant, our offices and our nightclub.

"The devastation this has caused our family is beyond words that we can fathom at this time. We have had the toughest of 18 months and were just one week away from the first grasps at normality.

"As a family, we are attempting to digest this horrific tragedy and we ask all customers to bear with us – we have no offices, no computers, no equipment, no phone lines, no access to our venue at all - These have all been taken as a result of this atrocious fire.

"At present, our venue remains closed and we as a family attempt to digest this tragedy which has ripped through our lives and our business - whilst we are unable to access your emails at this time, we are already overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support.

"We will be back. That much is certain."

The establishment's website shows that live Irish music was set to return next week and the Laundry Room was also reopening.

A fundraising page has now been set up for the business.

The page has been set up residents of Maidstone.

It reads: "As you all may be aware, there has been a devastating fire at Mu Mu’s in Maidstone town centre. The O’Quigley family have supported lots of local businesses over the years.

"They have suffered badly due to the pandemic over the last year and half and now with the national reopening of nightclubs looming, they will not be able to open as planned.

"Ciaran O’Quigley is a hard working businessman who has strived to build his business despite the pandemic - who treats all his employees with respect is a much loved and respected figure in the town.

"He needs our help to support him and his employees through this very difficult and upsetting time."

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