A dessert shop is cordoned off by police following a blaze in the early hours – which fire crews say is believed to have been started deliberately.

Emergency services were called to the Heavenly Desserts unit at the Riverside complex in Canterbury at about 2.20am.

Firefighters are said to have had to kick the door down to get in, before spending more than an hour working to put out the fire.

Police remain at the scene, which has been taped off.

Charlie Key, whose bedroom overlooks the Riverside complex, said the fire came to her attention at 2.30am.

The 20-year-old said: "I was laying in my bed and I saw blue flashing lights.

“This isn't a rare occasion by any means since it happens quite often – emergency services drive past and the light bounces off my wall.

“It wasn't until 30 minutes past that I realised it was outside, so I went to my window to see smoke engulfing the whole area.”

Forensics officers are said to be investigating what has been described as a “decent-sized fire”.

Another officer at the scene says the store was targeted last week by graffiti vandals who sprayed racial slurs on the property which had prompted concerns this morning’s fire may have been a targeted attack.

Wesley Williams, area manager at Heavenly Desserts, said: "We are deeply saddened to report that a fire occurred at our Canterbury restaurant in the early hours of the morning.

“The safety of our team and guests is of paramount importance to us, and we are relieved to confirm that no one was impacted by the fire.

“Our immediate focus will be to support our franchise partner and the team affected during this time while further investigations take place to determine the cause of the fire.

“Heavenly Desserts would also like to express its gratitude to Kent Fire and Rescue Service for their efforts at the scene.

“We are committed to rebuilding and reopening as soon as possible and send our thoughts to the wider Riverside community at this time."

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson told KentOnline: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a fire at a commercial premises in Kingsmead Road, Canterbury.

“Two fire engines were sent to the scene, where crews wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the flames using a main jet.

“No injuries were reported, and it’s believed the fire was started deliberately. "

The dessert shop opened at the £115m Riverside development in December 2022.

The upmarket restaurant serves luxury sweet treats including cheesecakes, sundaes and croffles.

A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Kent Police was called to a report of a fire at a business in Kingsmead Road, Canterbury shortly after 2.30am on Thursday 25 January 2024.

“Officers attended along with Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the fire was extinguished with no reported injuries.

“The fire is currently being treated as suspicious and an investigation to establish the full circumstances is ongoing.

“Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area, or who has dashcam footage or any other information which may assist investigators, is urged to call Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/13271/24.”

Officers also revealed police would continue to look into reports of criminal damage – believed to be the same incident as the vandalism.

A spokesperson said: "Kent Police is investigating a report of criminal damage at a business in Kingsmead Road, Canterbury.

“The offence is believed to have taken place between 11.30pm on Sunday 14 January and 11am on Monday 15 January 2024.

“Anyone with information is urged to call Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/8227/24."