A GREENGROCERS was burnt to the ground and a neighbouring newsagents virtually destroyed when fire ripped through a row of shops in Chatham High Street (Keely Spencer-King writes).

The flames raged in Martins, the greengrocers, before spreading, via the roof, into Maynes newsagents next door. Only fast-acting firefighters prevented the blaze damaging a neighbouring linen shop.

About 50 firefighters tackling the blaze which started at around 3am on Sunday and was still burning seven hours later.

Neil Dwyer, from Strood Fire Station, said: "When we first arrived we were told there may be people in the building. We used breathing apparatus to get inside but found the rooms above the shops were not flats but storage rooms. There was no one there."

Crews used six fire engines and a height vehicle to battle the flames but around 4.30am the greengrocers crumpled before their eyes. Mr Dwyer said: "It just imploded. There was nothing we could do to stop it."

Police spokesman Sgt Christine Salt said: "We are treating the fire as suspicious." It is likely one if not both shops will have to be completely demolished.