Fire investigators have ruled out foul play after a fire ripped and destroyed an historic pub in Ashford.

Crews spent more than seven hours battling the fire at the Hooden on the Hill in Willesborough Lees yesterday.

VIDEO: The pub in flames yesterday.

But the cause is being treated as accidental, Kent Fire and Rescue Service said today.

The fire broke at 10.50am as 40 firefighters from six fire engines and the fire service's height vehicle were sent to fight the flames at its peak.

It was scaled back to two fire engines shortly after 2pm and reduced to one appliance an hour later.

Fire crews left the scene at 4.30pm.

It is believed the fire started in the kitchen area but firefighters managed to stop the fire spreading to the whole building.

Crews managed to contain the blaze to the back of the building but it is reported two thirds of the pub could be ruined.

Neighbours were left in shock as they watched their local burn while the pub's owners, managers and staff looked on.