An investigation into a fire that tore through a property in Canterbury city centre has revealed it started in the building's extraction system.

Emergency crews surrounded Westgate Kebab in Canterbury, just 40 yards from the city's Westgate Towers last night.

A total of eight fire engines and a height vehicle tackled the flames, which poured from the roof of the building in St Dunstans Street.

Specialist height ladders were used to access the source of the blaze and an armed police officer also attended.

The area was cordoned off with huge crowds gathering to watch the drama unfold.

One onlooker said: "It's absolute chaos, we were drinking next door and could smell burning so went outside.

"The roof of the takeaway was on fire, but they were still serving people kebabs."

The fire, believed to have started at about 8.20pm, took four hours to extinguish.

A spokesman for the fire service said they believe the blaze started within the building's extraction system.

Police have said all people are accounted for but warned people living in the area to keep windows and doors closed.

Speaking during the incident a fire spokesman said: "Crews managed to prevent the fire spreading further and contained it to the building of origin.

"The upper floors have been severely damaged by fire and smoke. The cause is as yet unknown.

"The fire has spread to the roof and eight fire engines are at the scene.

"Everyone in the building has been accounted for.

"Firefighters are using two hose reel jets, a main jet and breathing apparatus to tackle the fire."