A boat has been destroyed after it was engulfed by flames in a fire that is believed to have started accidentally.

Huge plumes of smoke could be seen billowing across Medway following the blaze in Strood.

A 38ft-motor cruiser, understood to be called the Rio Bella, went up in flames at Strood Yacht Club off Knight Road.

Boat owners who live nearby were called to the clubhouse shortly before 4pm to make sure their vessels were not affected.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service, which is understood to have been using it drone to help with its response, remained at the scene for a number of hours.

Five fire engines and a water safety unit were sent to the incident.

Firefighters worked to stop the blaze from spreading to nearby vessels.

A Coastguard vehicle was also at the scene.

No casualties have been reported, according to the fire service.

One witness said: "Lucky the jetty was empty as people move their boats for the winter, otherwise they would've gone up too.

Another added: "It's so lucky no one was in it when it went up."

At 7.30pm, a fire service spokesman confirmed: "The boat fire on the River Medway, near Knight Road in Strood, is now out.

"There were no reported injuries, and the cause is believed to be accidental."