A BUILDING next to a pub in Brean has been “severely damaged” by a fire yesterday (Thursday, May 9).

A spokesperson for the fire service said the fire was in a building to the rear of The Beachcomber pub used for offices.

Yesterday afternoon, the pub shared the following message through its Facebook page: "Due to an ongoing fire in our back rooms, The Beachcomber will be closed today and tonight.

"Fire officers are on the scene, and everyone is safe.

"We will update you further when we know more. Thank you for your support."

The pub then added: "To clarify, our back rooms (used for office and storage space) are a separate building from the pub itself.

"The Beachcomber itself remains intact."

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was accidental.

A spokesperson for the service said the blaze was out at around 4.40pm and said: “Fire is now out. Relief has now taken place. Crews within Sectors 1 & 3 are making up equipment and monitoring fire conditions.

“Fire investigation now taking place and crews damping down hot spots.”

At around 9pm the spokesperson added: “All appliances have now left the incident and a revisit has been planned for later tonight to ensure the fire has not reignited and there are no hotspots.

“Unfortunately, the building was severely damaged and the cause was ascertained as being accidental.”