An investigation is underway after a devastating fire broke out at a restaurant.

The fire, which started in the early hours of Tuesday morning at Maximum Diner, in High Street, Uckfield, has left the owner heartbroken.

Diner owner Mustafa Gurol, from Peacehaven, said that he and his family are devastated by what has happened.

The Argus: The fire damaged the prep area of the restaurant

The 41-year-old told The Argus: "As a family we have owned the diner for 23 years, it’s a small family-owned and run business.

"Me and my family feel devastated, we've been part of the Uckfield community for over two decades.

"The diner is the only income I have and not being able to work means extreme financial pressures, not to mention the stress and worry all of this has had on everything and everyone in my life.

The Argus: The fire began in the early hours of Tuesday morning

"I can't express my sadness and feelings with words, all I can think is to try and get my diner fixed as soon as possible so that I can get back to work."

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Mustafa said the damage is estimated to cost over £30,000 to fix.

The Argus: A police investigation into the incident is underway

He also said he believes the shop was broken into before the fire broke out.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "Police responded to a report of a fire at a premises in High Street, Uckfield, at about 2.10am on Tuesday, February 27.

"Officers are investigating the cause of the fire.

"Witnesses or anyone with relevant information such as CCTV or mobile phone footage is asked to report it to Sussex Police online, quoting serial 78 of 27/02."

The Argus: He said the damage could cost over £30,000 to fix

There has been a diner on the site since 1993.

Mustafa said the diner is one of the "oldest surviving establishments" in the town.

At the moment, there is no set date for when the diner could reopen.

Mustafa has visited the premises since the fire to see if anything can be recovered.

His focus is to reopen the diner as soon as possible.

A number of fire engines were spotted at the scene at the time of the incident, however East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has not released a statement.

We have approached the fire service for comment.