FIRE crews were called to fire that tore through a takeaway on Basingstoke Road.

The road was closed in both directions as police and ambulance crews also rushed to the scene.

It is believed four fire crews from Caversham, Wokingham, Dee Road and Whitley Wood were called to the blaze.

The fire broke out in Wok on wheels earlier this afternoon. Thick smoke could be seen billowing from the building as emergency services battled the fire.

Patrick Medford lives on Basingstoke Road, close to where the fire broke out.

"When I smelt it I thought it was my place," he said.

"I looked out and smoke was just billowing out.

"I walked out and as I got nearby flames started licking out the door and things were going 'pop pop pop' inside.

"I was planning on using the take away this evening."

The road reopened just before 6.20pm as a smaller police cordon was set up around the burnout shop.

One eyewitness who did not want to be named said: "the large central window is completely destroyed and other widows have been damaged.

"There are piles of burnt wood on the floor and wires hanging from the ceiling. The sign has been ripped off and is lying on the floor nearby."

The cause of the blaze remains unknown, but six firefighters have used breathing masks and several hose reels to tackle the inferno.

A spokesman for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 4.30pm on Wednesday 21 June, Thames Valley Fire Control Service received reports of a fire in a commercial property on Basingstoke Road, Reading.

"Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Caversham Road, Wokingham Road, Dee Road and Whitley Wood are currently at the scene.

"Six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are tackling the blaze, using two hose reels and a jet."