Alert as fire breaks out at derelict building

Residents of a Kent town were urged to keep their windows and doors shut for almost nine hours as a fire tore through a derelict building.

The warning was issued at about 18:40 BST on Saturday as thick plumes of smoke billowed from the blaze near Pier Approach Road in Gillingham.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) said six fire engines and a height vehicle were initially called to the scene and that no injuries were reported.

At about 09:15 on Sunday, the fire service said it was still at the scene.

The brigade, which also called up its volunteer response team, said the cause of the fire was not yet known.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Kent on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.