AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a large fire broke out at a hotel in Epping High Road shortly before 1am today (Monday).

Five emergency crews spent around four hours tackling the blaze at the Forest Lodge Motel on the outskirts of Epping.

There were no guests staying in the hotel at the time, although it was open.

A spokesman for the fire service said no-one had been injured.

He said: "Crews were called to the Forest Lodge Motel after smoke was seen issuing from a range of buildings.

"On arrival at the scene, crews reported that the second floor of the two-storey building was well alight and at 1.08am confirmed that everyone had been accounted for and there were no casualties."

Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames at 4.46am, but remained on the scene to dampen down the wreckage.

Essex Police and Essex Fire and Rescue Service have launched a joint investigation, although it is not thought to be suspicious.

It is believed the blaze was started following an electrical fault.

Two crews from Loughton attended the scene, along with teams from Ongar, Epping and Harlow.