Exclusive interior pictures reveal the full impact that a supermarket suffered after it 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 Kentish Express 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 of the fire, which they think was started deliberately.

It follows several previous incidents of vandalism directed at the Tesco store.

In October there were two incidents of vandalism, the first time when paint was splashed over the doors and windows, and the second time where doors and windows were completely smashed.

Then in January this year the store was closed for two weeks while a major refurbishment was carried out, with the store getting new signage and a new layout inside.

Police say it is too early to tell if the fire is related to the previous incidents of vandalism, but have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

Staff at the store have been switched to work at three other Tesco shops in Ashford.

Witnesses or anyone with information are urged to call the appeal line on 01843 222289 quoting reference ZY/12485/17.