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by Martin Jefferies

A police probe has been launched into what caused a massive fire
that gutted an historic terrace in Northdown Road,
Cliftonville.

The blaze, which broke out at around 11.40pm Saturday, prompted
a major response from Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS).

At its height, more than 80 firefighters and 16 fire engines
from across the county were needed to tackle the inferno.

Emergency services were still at the scene on Monday morning and
part of Northdown Road remained closed to traffic and
pedestrians.

Four of the 14 buildings in the terrace, consisting of shops
with living accommodation above, were severely damaged by fire and
several others sustained smoke damage.

The Time Tunnel amusement arcade appeared to have borne the
brunt of the destruction but The Beano Café next door was badly
affected. The fire also damaged a former hotel and an empty
shop.

Firefighters wore breathing apparatus as they carried out a full
search of the properties. No one was injured in the blaze.

Kent’s Urban Search and Rescue Team also attended the scene on
Sunday morning, helping access difficult to reach areas inside the
buildings that were still alight.

Chris Colgan, group manager for KFRS, said: "Our crews did a
great job in what were extremely difficult circumstances, due to
the complex layout and age of the buildings involved."

A spokesperson for Kent Police confirmed this lunchtime that the
fire was being treated as "unexplained".

She said officers have so far been unable to start a detailed
investigation into the cause because the buildings remain too
dangerous to enter.

Safety officers from Thanet council are expected to begin a
structural survey of the affected properties this afternoon before
deciding whether any would need to be demolished.