A man will appear in court accused of starting a fire at a Tesco store and causing danger to life.

Police launched an investigation after the blaze at the Tesco Express shop in Margate yesterday.

Richard Stent was remanded in custody following a hearing via video link at Medway Magistrates' Court this morning.

The 32-year-old from Granville Street in Dover, is charged with one count of arson with intent to endanger life.

Flames were reported at the convenience store in Canterbury Road at 6am on Wednesday.

A police spokesman said: "The charge follows a report of a fire within Tesco Express in Canterbury Road during the morning of Wednesday 13 March 2019.

"Mr Stent appeared via virtual link at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, March 14 and was remanded in custody."

Fire crews were called after a fire was reported inside the building and two fire engines attended.

Police closed the road while the fire was dealt with by firefighters and an ambulance was also called and took a man to the QEQM hospital in Margate.

A spokesman for Tesco confirmed the company is assisting police and the fire service with inquiries.

Stent is next due to appear at Canterbury Crown Court on April 11.