A SUPERMARKET was forced to close after a fire in an air filter knocked out the electricity supply.

Firefighters were called to the small blaze in an air-conditioning unit in Tesco, Lunsford Park, Larkfield, at about 8.30am on Sunday.

Shoppers were turned away after the fire disrupted the electricity supply to the store leading to a total loss of power.

About eight firefighters from Larkfield attended and fire it was put out in about half an hour.

Although power was restored by 3.30pm, the store did not re-open until Monday morning.