Oxford residents were left "shocked and scared" after a huge plume of black smoke and subsequent flames erupted on a busy street.
The incident happened on Cowely Road, outside Sundaes Gelato on the street corner during the early evening hours of Saturday (May 2).
An employee at Sundaes Gelato, who contacted the Oxford Mail and wished to remain anonymous, described the incident as "quite a frightening and uncomfortable experience to witness."
The employee also said they were "first person to notice the fire and immediately acted to get all customers safely out of the shop."
The employee also said "as a result of the fire, we suffered a significant loss to the business."
Thames Valley Police cars and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service fire engines arrived at the scene shortly after, and a cordon was put in place with tape.
Members of the public were warned to get back away from the site with flames soon "erupting" from the smoke, according to onlookers.
AS IT HAPPENED: Smoke billows from underground as police tape off Oxford street
An onlooker, who works nearby and wishes to remain anonymous, told this newspaper: "I have never seen anything like this.
"I felt that flames would explode wider in the area; it is so scary.
"I don't know if the black smoke could be toxic or harmful, so the rest of the public and I got a good distance away from the area quickly.
"When the incident happened, there was only one police car, but then the fire engines arrived not long after- they are so quick.
READ MORE: Police issue warning to residents amid major fire in Oxford
"Then more police cars came."
The flames soon followed the smoke with a large crowd of students watching on, left "shocked" to see what was happening.
One girl, who wished to remain anonymous, told us: "I witnessed the fire earlier, and it was SHOCKING. I’ve never seen flames erupt like what I witnessed.
"Sundaes Gelato is my favourite place to go for a late-night sweet treat, and I’m so saddened that I can’t go now for what seems like a while.
READ MORE: Onlookers 'scared' as smoke rises from out of the ground in Oxford
"Hundreds of students gathered around and watched as the thick black smoke started to consume Cowley Road.
"I’m just hoping fishies at the O2 will still go ahead!"
During the incident, a statement was released by Thames Valley Police across social media platforms, including Facebook.
Officers warned nearby residents to close their windows as the large plume of black smoke rose and spread around the surrounding streets.
READ MORE: Oxford University students 'shocked' as 'flames erupt' in city
A spokesperson for the police force said: "Cowley Road is currently closed between the junctions with Leon Close, Bullingdon Road, and Chapel Street.
"We are working alongside the Fire and Rescue Service and the electricity network provider while urgent work is carried out following reports of smoke coming from underground.
"At this time, we do not believe there is any risk to the wider public.
"However, residents in the immediate area are advised to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution.
READ MORE: Police issue fresh statement on 'shocking' black smoke fire
"Anyone planning to travel along this section of Cowley Road this evening is asked to check ahead and avoid the area if possible."
The road reopened around 11pm on Saturday night, but the site of the fire remains cordoned off after the blaze was extinguished.
Thames Valley Police issued a fresh statement on the following morning (Sunday, May 3) after the incident.
A spokesperson for the force said: "No arrests have been made, and the incident is not being treated as suspicious at this time."
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has also been approached for comment.
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