People watched in horror after an outbuilding attached to an off-licence caught alight.

The blaze at Best-one in Bull Orchard, Barming, started at about 9.20pm yesterday and saw three fire engines sent.

Crews, wearing breathing apparatus, managed to stop flames spreading to the shop and a flat above using water jets.

Someone who lives nearby said this morning: “I reckon they must have got it under control quick.

“Some of the windows are black and burnt, and there’s a bit of melted gutter.”

Crews spent around three hours tackling the blaze, which was fully extinguished at 12.32am.

A spokesman for the service said: “There were no reported injuries.

“The fire is believed to have started due to an electrical fault.”

A statement from the store said: "Barming post office and shop will remain closed for a couple of days because of fire. Sorry for inconvenience."