Workmen have begun repairs to the fire-ravaged Tesco Express store in Mace Lane, Ashford.

The convenience store was severely damaged by an arson attack in the early hours of last Friday morning.

The fire swept through the roof of the building, hitting both the Tesco Express store and the adjoining Paydens pharmacy which are located in the same building.

More than 20 firefighters were involved in tackling the fire at the store near the Mace Lane roundabout in Ashford which broke out soon after midnight last Friday morning.

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

In the aftermath of the fire police appealed for witnesses saying the cause of the fire was being treated as suspected arson.

On Saturday two large cherry pickers arrived at the site as a team of contractors began dismantling the roof.

The work is expected to continue today (Monday).

At one point, four fire engines, a height vehicle and bulk water carrier were at the scene as crews fought the fire.

The blaze caused extensive damage to the roof and the rear of the building and much of the stock was damaged by water and foam dropping down as firefighters tackled the blaze.

On Friday afternoon the entire site was encircled with a protective fence to keep people away and the windows were all boarded up.

The alarm was raised at around 12.30am on Friday morning when smoke was spotted coming from the roof. Firefighters remained at the scene until 4.30am, with store workers helping to clear some of the ash and debris at the site in the morning.

The store had previously been closed in January this year for an extensive internal makeover.

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

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.

It is understood staff at the Mace Lane convenience store have been relocated to Tesco's three other stores in Ashford.

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