Police are investigating a fire close to a Tesco superstore near central Reading. 

Fire crews and police attended the incident in the woodland between the train lines and the Tesco store in Napier Road at around 5pm this evening. 

A spokesperson from Thames Valley Police said: "At around 4.35pm yesterday we attended a fire on Napier Road, alongside officers from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

"Officers are currently investigating the incident.

"If anyone has any information which may assist our investigation can contact 101, or leaving information via our website, quoting 43240566127."

The car park of the supermarket had to be closed while firefighters responded to the blaze, according to Tesco staff. 

One staff member said they could hear what sounded like gas canister exploding in a suspected 'homeless camp' in the woodlands during the blaze. 

The staff member said: "There was loud popping. It was big fire, every now and then there was this loud 'wooosh' sound. 

"The police came, but we didn't see anybody in the camp."