The Co-op store on Market Street in Tavistock was closed today after a fire caused extensive smoke damage last night.

An investigation into the probable cause took place by the fire service.

Several fire crews and appliances (including a high-rise ladder) police and an ambulance responded some time before 8pm.

Notices on the shop windows and cash machine say ‘Sorry, this store is temporarily closed. We’ll open again soon’.

A Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service spokesman said: “We were called just before 7.10pm to a fire at that location and sent six fire appliances plus special appliances.

“Around forty per cent of the ground floor retail shop was severely damaged by fire and the remainder of the building and first floor was damaged by smoke.

“Firefighters used six sets of breathing apparatus, three hose reel jets, a main jet, safety jet, thermal imaging cameras and fans to extinguish the fire. There were no reports of injuries. A fire investigation (into the cause) will take place today.

A spokesperson for Co-op, said: “Thankfully no one has been injured as a result of the incident at our Market Street store and we’re grateful to the fire service for their speedy response. The store will remain closed as we assess the damage caused by the fire.”

Witness Sheila Williams said today: “I went to do some late shopping at about eight o’clock, because the Co-op opens til ten, and saw all these emergency people there. There were lots of firemen and fire engines and a fire cherry picker. It looked as though the fire was downstairs and maybe in the offices and the shop itself.

“There was lots of smoke going up into the sky. They were up on the cherry picker using water from the top of the roof.”