Parts of Whitstable remain sealed off today following a major gas explosion which left two people injured.

Fire crews worked tirelessly throughout the night to control the blaze which erupted just after 10pm last night.

One man was taken to hospital while another was treated at the scene.

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More than a dozen emergency services vehicles and a fleet of Southern Gas Networks vans were sent to the scene, though confirmation of the cause has yet to be established.

The explosion happened between the Long Reach and Estuary View roundabouts.

Gas works were being carried out in the area earlier on Friday and residents had reported smelling gas in the area.

Nick Ward, who lives in The Oaze in Whitstable, said he had been alerted to potential problems eight hours before the explosion.

He said workers from Southern Gas Networks had knocked on his door at 1.30pm and said somebody had "gone through the main and they were trying to fix the problem".

The road is blocked at Ernie's Plaice fish restaurant and cars cannot access Borstal Hill.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said this morning: "Crews continued to keep the fire under control through the night and cooled the surrounding boundary using main jets and ground monitors.

"Southern Gas Networks isolated the gas main by 2.45am and fire was extinguished. Duty of care was handed over to the lead engineer, at which time crews left the scene."

Beth Hicks, 28, of Lancaster Garden, Beltinge was one of those who witnessed the drama.

She said "I saw fire from Mcdonald's - there was a huge orange glow. It's crazy."

The two people hurt in the blast are not thought to be seriously injured.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: "Two men have been treated at the scene by ambulance staff for injuries not described as being serious."

Burnt-out plant equipment could be clearly seen on site today.

A digger being used during the works was left a charred shell and has been screened off with safety barriers.