As per the title is the standard zetec SE 1.6 an interfernce engine (2002). I have googled this and some say it is and others say it isn't, what does the collective say on this?

It absolutely is. I had one that smashed 4 valves and holed a piston when the timing belt broke on cranking!

yep, ive also destroyed one haha

100% yes.

On a 2002, I would agree.
Though out of interest, my later Ti-VCT donor engine has pocketed pistons, so possibly may not be.

DH2

Yes it most definitely is!

I had my cam belt break on a 2002 Focus 1600 Zetec SE - when I got the head off I found 12 bent valves

Another "yes I'm afraid so" here

http://www.burtonpower.com/tuning-guides/tuning-guide-pages/ford-zetec-se-tuning-guide.html

quote:

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... and conforms to the current trend of interference fit/no-engine keyways, just like the Duratec I4.

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