Fire crews searched a derelict building which was alight after reports people were inside.

They were called to the empty building in Ashford at 4.55pm after the blaze broke out, along with Kent Police.

Wearing breathing apparatus, they searched the building in Tannery Lane - also home to Royal Mail's delivery office and the borough council's offices - following reports of people trying to gain entrance.

Crews used high-pressure hose reel jets and main jets to control the fire, confining the flames to the single-storey building of approximately 30m square.

Despite this, around 40% of the structure was destroyed.

All persons were accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown, with crews leaving the incident at 6.10pm.