Firefighters are at the scene of a devastating city centre blaze for a second day after it took hold over an empty former Debenhams store.

Three emergency vehicles remain in Canterbury High Street this morning.

A cordon is still in place around the building along Guildhall Street and the high street but access has been restored on the opposite side of the street.

Meanwhile, a teenage boy arrested on suspicion of arson last night is still in custody this morning being quizzed by police.

The 15-year-old attended Canterbury Police Station yesterday and was subsequently arrested.

It comes exactly 36 hours following the shocking inferno on the corner of Guildhall Street at around 8.45pm on Monday.

The fire led to roads being closed and 30 people being evacuated from their homes as more than 50 firefighters tackled the blaze, which continued throughout the night.

One man was treated by medics for the effects of smoke inhalation.

At its peak, eight fire engines were in attendance and two height vehicles being used to battle the flames.

A fire service spokeswoman said this morning: “The cordon has been significantly reduced and the main high street, and some of the businesses in the area, have now been reopened.

“Some businesses closest to the incident and people living nearby will still be affected today, but crews are working with them to ensure they are back to normal as soon as possible.

“Due to the complexity of the incident, crews are not yet able to access the site but a full investigation, with partner agencies, will take place when this is possible.”

Meanwhile, the fate of the redevelopment of the abandoned Debenhams remains up in the air following the fire.

Plans to transform the former store were first unveiled five years ago, with hopes of seeing the building redeveloped into 74 flats and 12 shops.

But with the blaze taking hold of the already-derelict eyesore site, the £25 million project, spearheaded by developer 90North, is almost certainly set to be significantly impacted – if it happens at all.

Detectives are appealing for information regarding the incident. Anyone who can assist inquiries is urged to contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 03-0160.

People can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete its online form.