This was the scene of destruction which met firefighters after a blaze ripped through a flat above a newsagents.

The photo, taken by Lowestoft fireman Ben Horne, shows the extent of the damage caused by the fire on Monday, June 11 which police are treating as a possible arson.

In the photo it is possible to see the charred remains of the building’s rafters with the roof on one side of the building completely destroyed by the flames.

The fire broke out in a flat above D C Patrick Newsagents, and spread to neighbouring buildings which also included Pinky’s cafe and Hunky Dory retro clothing and furniture.

Newsagents owner David Patrick said his shop has been completely destroyed in the blaze, with Hunky Dory also losing most of its stock.

Scaffolding has now been put up around the damaged buildings in Chediston Street to prevent debris falling into the road and a walkway has been made available so people can access Market Square.