Tesco Store Gutted by FIRE

A huge fire ripped through a Tesco express store last night, leaving it gutted.

Over a dozen firefighters fought the blaze as it raged at the shop in Tempest Avenue, which broke out at around 6.50pm.. A total of 44 firefighters and five fire officers were at the scene at the height of the drama.

The store manager was treated for burns and smoke inhalation after repeatedly rushing into the store.Witness believed he was trying to rescue the day's takings. No customers or other staff members were injured in the fire.

A local, who saw the fire break out from her garden,

said: 'We saw the flames just shoot up, so we called the fire brigade.

Within minutes it was into the roof, it just spread.

'I could hear the kids behind Tesco. Whether they started the fire deliberately or at all I don't know. It was awful to see.'

It is the third time in six years that the store has been destroyed by fire.