A POPULAR takeaway was temporarily out of business today after fire ripped through the kitchen in a tea-time blaze.

Firefighters. called to Zorba's takeaway in Haslingden at 5.15pm yesterday, said it was completely destroyed in the blaze in the kitchen of the premises in Blackburn Road.

Four members of staff were evacuated from the shop, but there were no customers inside at the time.

Fire crew are investigating the cause of the blaze, but believe it could stem from a cooking range.

Sub-officer Nick Clough, of Rawtenstall fire station, said that the takeaway itself was completely destroyed by the blaze and the crew were on the scene for four hours.

Crews from Haslingden were also called out as well as the Incident Support Unit from Accrington.

The first and second floor of the building were also damaged by the fire.

The owners of the takeaway were unavailable for comment.