CUSTOMERS fled from McDonald's in Malvern Link when a deep-fat fryer caught fire.

Two fire crews arrived to tackle the blaze off Townsend Way last Friday.

Officers praised staff at the fast food restaurant for the way they handled the emergency.

About 20 customers were eating at McDonald's when the fire started at around 4pm.

Branch manager Gail Simmonds said the alarm was activated and staff led customers to safety. Assistant manager Adam Munn threw a fire blanket on the fryer.

Fire engines were there within minutes.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the building with dry powder extinguishers to put the flames.

Thermal imaging equipment was then used to make sure the blaze had not spread to the roof.

Station officer Phil Price said: "The fire was confined to the fryer, partly because the staff acted quickly after it started.

"It could have been a lot worse. If there had been grease in the flues, the fire could have spread up into the roof."

The fire thought to have been caused by an electric fault.

The restaurant was closed for the rest of Friday, but reopened the next day.