A fire at Chessington World of Adventures has been brought under control by eight fire crews.

The park will not open today.

The blaze, which broke out just after 8.30am today, has affected a "large percentage" of the on-site restaurant, London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.

The brigade tweeted: "The fire in #Chessington has been declared under control. No people or animals have been hurt.

"Excellent team work from us and @SurreyFRS."

A London Ambulance spokesman said paramedics were called at 9am, but that there had been no reports of patients requiring treatment.

Surrey Comet:

On scene: Eight fire crews rushed to the park.

Surbiton red watch manager Ray Grindrod was among the first on the scene.

He said: "We were confronted by a rapidly developing fire.

"We actually saw the smoke plume pretty much from when we left the station."

Surrey Comet:

Smoke from the fire. Photo: London Fire Brigade

An LFB spokeswoman said: "Most of the restaurant is damaged.

"I have been told that all the animals were evacuated to a safe place.

"It looked pretty dramatic when they arrived because there were flames shooting up into the sky.

"There was a lot of smoke."

Fire crews from New Malden, Surbiton, Kingston, Epsom, Esher and Leatherhead responded to the call.

The results of an investigation into the cause of the blaze are expected to be announced tomorrow or on Monday.

Two reindeer evacuated to safety will be ready for Christmas Eve festivities, park officials told LFB.

Surrey Comet:

Visitors were turned away by park staff.

The A243 Leatherhead Road was closed between 9.30am and 10.40am.

The theme park said tickets bought for entry today would be re-validated.

Did you see what happened? Email jon.sharman@london.newsquest.co.uk.