DEMOLITION work is underway at an Indian restaurant which has been empty since a fire three years ago.

Braintree Council gave permission for Masalla, in South Street, Braintree, to be pulled down earlier this year.

The restaurant has been closed since April 2015, when a devastating blaze tore through an upstairs flat in the property.

The building was abandoned but was used by some homeless people as a place of shelter before permission for the demolition was granted in the interests of public safety.

Work is taking take place at the site between 8am and 6pm from Monday to Friday, and between 8am and 1pm on Saturdays.