FIREFIGHTERS investigating a pub inferno which left two families homeless have said “it has been impossible” to determine the cause of the blaze.
Crews from the Essex Fire Service were stationed in Church Street, Harwich, for four days after the Hanover Inn went up in flames on June 14.
After leaving the scene, the emergency service’s investigation team moved in to try to establish exactly how the fire - which also destroyed historic cottages - had started.
READ MORE: Everything we know after historic pub goes up in flames leaving families homeless
Despite their best efforts, however, they were unable to come to a concrete conclusion, due to the severity of damage inflicted on the buildings.
Lee Hurst, station manager and fire investigation officer, said: "We have done everything we can and put in so much effort to get to the bottom of it.
"Unfortunately, because the fire was so intense and due to the damage caused to the buildings, it has been impossible to come to a definitive conclusion.
"It was a prolonged investigation due to safety issues so I'd like to thank Essex Police and Tendring Council for their support and the community for their patience.
"I'd also like to thank crews who have worked incredibly hard to move debris and assist the investigation."
The devastating blaze, which resulted in two families being made homeless, saw a staggering 11 fire crews and two aerial ladder platform teams rush to the scene.
The firefighters came from Dovercourt, Clacton, Manningtree, Frinton, Weeley, Brightlingsea, West Mersea, Corringham, Colchester, Leaden Roding and Ipswich.
Following their arrival, Church Street was completely closed down and power to 177 homes in the area was also cut due to safety concerns.
The inferno took roughly six hours to extinguish, although crews remained at the site for several days to ensure the safety of the structure to prevent additional fires.
Ivan Henderson, mayor of Harwich, added: “From start to the finish I know that everyone involved did the best they could to find the cause of this fire but they have not been able to do that.
“I just hope all those residents from those properties that were affected get all the support they possibly can so they can try and deal with this dreadful situation."
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