A Maidstone supermarket remains shut after it was damaged by fire yesterday.

Shoppers were evacuated from the Tesco Express in Loose Road at 2pm when an out of control bonfire caused 10ft flames and plumes of black smoke over the town centre.

The blaze spread to and damaged the rear panelling of the shop as well as a garage. Crews from three fire engines spend most of the afternoon damping down mounds of smoldering rubbish.

Lane closures were put in place on the A229 Upper Stone Street and Loose Road, causing long delays back to the gyratory system.

The Tesco remains shut but it is not believed to have been seriously damaged.

A spokesperson said, “Our colleagues worked really hard to ensure our customers were safely evacuated from the store. We’re working with the authorities and will reopen the store as soon as possible.”