A post office has apologised to customers after a fire forced it to shut and left its door smashed.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue service has confirmed it sent three fire engines to reports of a fire at The Pond Post Office in The Parade, Watford, at 4.20am yesterday (April 7).

They found a “small fire” in the commercial premises and evacuated the flats above it.

Watford Observer: The Pond Post OfficeThe Pond Post Office (Image: Stephen Danzig)

The flames were dampened down and completely out by 6.20am.

“A fire investigation follow up was carried out as standard and the incident closed,” a spokesperson added.

They also highted the service’s fire safety advice available online.

Watford Observer: The Pond Post OfficeThe Pond Post Office (Image: Stephen Danzig)

A picture taken from outside the post office shows a sign that reads “Sorry we’re closed. We had a fire!”

Damage to the interior can be seen, including a smashed glass door and some debris inside.

Two of the engines were from Watford fire station and one was from Garston fire station.