A Slovakian man accused of setting fire to a bookshop and severely damaging neighbouring buildings has been remanded in custody.

Adam Stajer, of Lower Stone Street in Maidstone, appeared before Maidstone Magistrates Court this morning after being charged with arson yesterday evening.

The 21-year-old, who has lived in Britain for two years, did not enter a plea and will remain in custody until a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, July 3.

The news comes as the clean up operation in Week Street, Maidstone, starts to get underway - with scaffolding going up around buildings ravaged by Monday's fire.

Early estimates suggest £5 million in damage has been caused.

Maidstone council has taken on the task of shoring up the three worst affected buildings to ensure the street can return to normal.

The fire, which broke out at 2.05am in The Works bookshop, destroyed the building and left Thomson travel agents and Hotter shoe shop severely damaged.

Contractors have began putting up the scaffolding and hoardings around the three yesterday and this is expected to be completed by the end of Monday.

Once completed, the exclusion zone, which has affected a number of shops in Week Street, will be able to be cleared.

The following shops are still affected: Game, Monsoon, Dorothy Perkins/Burton, River Island, Cornish Kitchen, Boots Opticians, Thomson, The Works, Hotter, M&S Women’s Fashion, Thorntons.

All other shops in Maidstone are open including many in Week Street, Fremlin Walk and the Mall Chequers.