By Jennifer Cosgrove

A BROUGHTY Ferry restaurant that was destroyed by fire in the early hours of yesterday is set to be demolished today.

Fire crews from stations across Dundee battled the blaze at Spice Indian restaurant in Erskine Lane as it tore through the building, causing damage running well into six figures.

The flames engulfed the upper floor of the two-storey building occupied mainly by Spice, and firefighters battled for hours to try to save the other parts of the block, which include the lounge bar Chocolate and long- established restaurant Wigmores.

After the fire was extinguished, Dundee City Council engineers assessed the structure, deeming it unsafe and condemning it to be demolished as soon as possible.

It was unclear last night whether the adjoining properties affected by the blaze would also have to be torn down, although this remains a possibility.

A council spokesman explained, “City council engineers inspected the building and it was structurally unsafe.

“It is to be demolished as early as Friday in the interests of public safety.”

It is understood the blaze originated in the restaurant kitchen, but a joint investigation by the police and fire and rescue service was hindered greatly by the state of the building.

Fire and rescue group manager Jim Cumming said, “A full fire investigation was not possible due to the structural situation of the building.”

Police officers patrolling Broughty Ferry reported the blaze shortly before 1am yesterday, after spotting flames licking from the building.

It is the second fire to hit the restaurant in just over a year.

It had its downstairs function room and bar destroyed in a blaze last April.

A man appeared in court last July in connection with the incident, but the case was later dropped.

Restaurant owner Mohammed Zeeshan rebuilt the damaged bar and it was re-opened at the end of last year under the name of Chocolate.

Commenting earlier yesterday, Mr Zeeshan said the restaurant had been water damaged and he expected it would re-open some time next week.

He declined to say whether the building was insured but also vowed the restaurant would be rebuilt.

However, he could not be reached by The Courier for further comment last night following news the building was to be pulled down.

The neighbouring Wigmores restaurant is also believed to have been extensively damaged, but proprietor Steven Rae did not wish to comment on the situation last night.

Mr Rae indicated the restaurant would put out a statement to the press at a later date.

Meanwhile, Broughty Ferry residents and business owners have expressed their shock at the blaze.

Local councillor Ken Guild paid tribute to the efforts of firefighters who tackled the flames.

He said, “I’m very grateful to the fire service for stopping the fire from spreading to neighbouring tenants and appreciate the work being done by the police and council officials.”

The Fort Street railway bridge, Brown Street and a section of Brook Street were closed for most of the day while police and firefighters continued with salvaging work and investigations into the blaze.

The roads re-opened last night at around 9, with only Erskine Lane remaining off limits.

Spice also sits alongside the east coast mainline but a Network Rail spokesman said the fire had had no impact on train services yesterday.

“Although the restaurant borders the line, the fire was not close enough to present a problem to the railway,” he explained.