Vandals are believed to be behind a blaze that struck a former takeaway.

And firefighters had to prevent the blaze from spreading to other units on a now disused parade of shops in Stanhope, Ashford.

The fire struck at the former Stanhope Grill at Stanhope Square just after 9.30pm on Sunday.

The blaze caused 10 per cent damage to the ground floor and smoke-logged the end-of-terrace property. Four fire engines were needed to deal with it.

Ashford Fire Station crew manager Tim Hanley said: "When we arrived there was smoke coming out of every window and doorway.

"If we had not got there in time it could have spread to the other units."