PEOPLE were forced to evacuate their flats last night as neighbours watched their favourite chip shop go up in flames. 

Those living above Monarch Drive Chippy were forced to evacuate their homes yesterday (Friday) after the chip shop caught fire during its "busiest time of the week". 

Residents said the ceiling of the chippy had "completely come through" and black smoke was "everywhere".

Worcester News: Smoke damage can be seen at the front of the business. Smoke damage can be seen at the front of the business. (Image: NQ)At around 7pm, neighbours were alerted to a large plume of black smoke billowing down Monarch Drive.

Neighbours recalled seeing customers who had previously been waiting for their chips left huddled in the car park as fire crews tackled the blaze.

According to neighbours, everyone managed to get out safely. 

Worcester News: Broken glass has been swept into a neat pile on the floor.Broken glass has been swept into a neat pile on the floor. (Image: NQ)One said: "It was bad. We went and gave hats and coats to the owners so they wouldn't get cold.

"They said they tried to put a fire blanket on it, but it just blew it off.

"They were distraught after all they have gone through as well with Covid.

Worcester News: The chip shop last night had become engulfed in flames. The chip shop last night had become engulfed in flames. (Image: Annette Walters)"The ceiling completely came through - firefighters were putting out the flames and you could see black flames coming from the roof.

"They had evacuated the top so everyone got out."

One neighbour said Monarch Drive Chippy is great and its current owners are fantastic.

"It has been a really good chippy - these people are fantastic and now I will have to go miles to get my fish and chips," he said. 

Worcester News: Black smoke came from the top of the property. Black smoke came from the top of the property. (Image: NQ)"We've had the laundrette on fire last year and now the chippy.

"Debris from the glass is still on the pavement. Last night, the glass exploding was a bit worrying."

Another resident said they could not believe their eyes when they saw Monarch Drive Chippy on fire.

She said she could imagine it frightened the life out of the people living in the above flats.

Worcester News: Inside the chip shop.Inside the chip shop. (Image: NQ)An eyewitness at the scene when the chip shop caught fire added, "It happened so fast. It just went up within seconds!

"It was a fryer. The ceiling peeled off and there was black smoke everywhere."

This morning, bad smoke damage can be seen at the front of the business, with glass from the chip shop windows swept into a pile on the pavement.