Full impact is revealed of blaze at store

Exclusive interior pictures reveal the full impact after a supermarket was devastated by fire following a suspected arson.

More than 20 firefighters were called to Tesco Express near the Mace Lane roundabout in Ashford at 1.30am last Friday.

The blaze, which appeared to have started at the rear of the store, quickly spread to the roof and caused widespread damage inside.

At one point there were four fire engines, a cherry picker, and a bulk water carrier at the scene of the blaze, where crews used sticky foam to prevent the flames spreading. Around 20 firefighters tackled the blaze, remaining at the scene until around 4.30am.

The fire gutted the building in Mill Court, which is also home to Paydens Pharmacy, and on Friday morning workmen began the clean up by sweeping away charred debris and closing off the store behind a security fence, which was erected around the site.

Now, pictures from inside the building taken by KE columnist Steve Salter reveal the ceiling has utterly collapsed, leaving the fully stocked shelves covered in thick black ash.

Over the weekend workmen started work to dismantle the roof using two large cherry pickers. Their work exposed the damage to the steel girders which have been weakened by the flames.

It is not yet clear how much the suspected arson will cost to repair, or how long it will take for the two premises to reopen.

Police are probing the cause

The collapsed ceiling of the wrecked Tesco Express store after the fire

Picture: Andy Clark Footpaths leading to the store were taped off