Police have appealed for witnesses after convenience store was gutted by fire caused from a suspected arson.

More than 20 firefighters were called to the Tesco Express store near the Mace Lane roundabout in Ashford at 1.30am on Friday, March 31.

Crews used hose reels and compressed air foam to rain sticky foam onto the fire.

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This specialist material acts like a fire blanket clinging to the surfaces it is applied to and forms a protective layer, helping to prevent flames spreading.

At one point, four fire engines, a cherry picker and bulk water carrier were at the scene of the blaze as crews fought the fire.

The blaze has caused extensive damage to the roof and the rear of the building, which is also home to Paydens Pharmacy next door.

The store has been sealed off with a protective fence while police and the fire brigade investigate the causes of the fire.

After firefighters left the scene at 4.30am store workers helped clear some of the ash and debris at the site in the morning. Meanwhile UK Power Networks shut off electricity to the building.

Video: Aftermath of the fire

Kentish Express news editor Al Irvine inspected the damage during the early hours of the morning. He said: “Now that daylight has arrived you can see the extent of the damage.

“There are huge holes either side of the pitched roof and there's still a smell of smoke in the air around the building.

“The roof is a real mess and will have to be replaced but there looks to be a lot of internal smoke and water damage too.

“When I was there earlier at around 4.15am you couldn't see the scale of the damage but in daylight it's clear it's pretty bad and it's going to be a long job getting it repaired before it can re-open.”

The store had previously been closed in January this year for an extensive makeover which saw the shelves reorganised inside.

There have been previous incidents of vandalism at the store. In October a vandal smashed the windows of the store, which were boarded up and had to be replaced, then later that month a vandal smeared paint over the front of the store.

Police say they are investigating the cause of the fire, but say it is too early to tell if the fire is linked to the previous incidents of criminal damage.

A spokesman for Tesco said no one was hurt during the fire, and said staff will co-operate with the police in their inquiries.

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