A SHOP was severely damaged after a 'deliberate' fire was started in a nearby wheelie bin.

Firefighters were called to the blaze, in Liddymore Road, Watchet, at around 11.45pm last night (December 30).

Two crews from Williton, one from Minehead and aerial equipment from Bridgwater were sent to the scene after reports the shop had caught fire.

"On arrival, crews confirmed the fire well alight, and got to work with breathing apparatus and hose reel jets," said a Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson.

"On further investigation, crews confirmed the fire to be involving the shop storage area to the rear of the main building, which had spread.

"Crews increased firefighting to include a compressed air foam jet.

"The fire was finally extinguished using six breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet, one compressed air foam jet, small tools and a thermal imaging camera.

"There was significant damage to the main shop, and the rear storage area was completely destroyed."

The cause of the fire was deemed to be deliberate ignition, started in a nearby wheelie bin, he added.