A derelict shop and the flat above it have been destroyed by fire.

The shop, in Gillingham, was wrecked by the blaze, which started at about 6pm on Monday evening.

Crews from Medway, Chatham and Gillingham and later, Rainham, were called out to the property in Canterbury Street, close to the Co-op store.

Police cordoned-off the road to enable firefighters to tackle the flames. The cause of the blaze is being treated as suspicious.

Crews used breathing apparatus to enter the building and fought the fire for about 45 minutes.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “It looks like the fire started in the back bedroom of the flat above the shop.

A substantial amount of damage has been caused to the first floor of the property and there is smoke damage throughout.

“Crews had the flames out by 6.45pm. The cause of the fire is being investigated.”