White Watch staff from Chester Fire Station were called to the White Stuff shop on St Werburgh Street at about 8.30pm on Saturday.

Rain was leaking through the roof and had got into the electrics, setting off the alarms. Four appliances went to the shop and while they were there a fire on Union Street was reported.

Watch manager Chris Rodaway said an ice cream kiosk was alight and when they searched for a hydrant to get water, they discovered a car had parked over it.

An alternative hydrant was located and two main jets and a hose reel were used to extinguish the fire, which spread quickly through the wood building.

A fire investigation officer was called to the scene to determine the cause which was an electrical fault.

Mr Rodaway said: "It is a traffic offence to block fire hydrants and the owner of the parked vehicle received a parking ticket."

Fire crews left the scene at 11pm.