A derelict restaurant which was gutted by a fire more than three years ago finally looks set to be pulled down in the interests of public safety.

Masalla, in South Street, Braintree, has been closed since April 2015, when a devastating blaze tore through an upstairs flat in the property.

Since then, the building has been left abandoned and is sometimes used by the town’s homeless population for shelter.

However now the owner - Mr Elicin - has applied for permission from Braintree Council to demolish the building.

A report has been compiled on the premises by structural engineers Julian Mansfield Associates warning the public could be at risk if the building is left.

It states: “The building is in an unstable condition and will continue to deteriorate.

“The building is sited on the corner of the road leading to the railway station, consequently it is frequently passed by commuters going to the station.

“The preservation of the public is of paramount importance.”

According to the report, the basement of the property is flooded and contains approximately 40cm of water.

Cracks have developed in the external walls, and the engineers have expressed worries the building could potentially collapse at any time.

The report continues: “These cracks have the potential to develop and de-stabilise the walls with potentially catastrophic consequences.”

On Wednesday June 13, a man and woman were arrested on a suspicion of assault and possession of drugs after an incident inside the building.

Mr Elicin did not respond to The Times’ requests for comment.