A Japanese noodle bar in Oxford which caught fire during the early hours could be out of action until the end of the month.

Fire crews are currently dealing with the blaze inside the Wagamama noodle bar in Market Street, off Cornmarket Street.

About 25 firefighters arrived shortly after 5.40am and found a severe blaze in the kitchen, which caused smoke damage throughout the three-storey building.

About seven fire engines parked in Cornmarket Street and Market Street, with Market Street cordoned off.

Incident commander Paul Molloy said fire crews were able to bring the blaze under control quickly but ventilation ducting and cooking fat deposits were still burning at 8am. Mr Molloy added: "It was quite a severe fire in the kitchen, which has caused smoke-logging throughout the rest of the building.

"We expect to be here until mid-afternoon, making sure that the fire is out and that everything is completely safe.

"We believe the fire was accidental - there are no suspicious circumstances and no-one was hurt.

"This incident will cause severe disruption to the restaurant - they won't be able to reopen today and it could be closed for the rest of the month, if not longer."

Christian Hill, manager of the restaurant, arrived about 7am after being informed of the blaze.

He told the Oxford Mail the restaurant opened in September and added: "There has been a fire but you probably know as much as me at this stage."

Guy Dunkley, incident support commander, led firefighters tackling a blaze at the Schuh shoe store in Magdalen Street, about 5.30pm last night.

He said: "We finished there about 9pm, so it has been a busy time for firefighters in the city centre.

"The fire in Schuh is also thought to be an accidental cause, and there is absolutely no connection between the two incidents."