Firefighters have been at the scene of a blaze at a tyre shop which closed a major route.

The inferno occurred at Sturry Tyres on the A28 near Canterbury just before 4pm.

Pictures show police blocking the major route and fire crews fighting to extinguish the flames.

Trisha Childs was on the number eight bus, and saw the billowing smoke as she approached the village.

The 43-year-old told KentOnline: “As I got nearer there were flames visible with black smoke.

“Firefighters were on the scene with police arriving to stop traffic and cordon off the area.

“There were four fire engines, numerous police officers who closed the road both ways.

“The firefighters were throwing some tyres down from the top that were still smoking.

“Then they were hosing them as they dropped onto the ground below.”

The Margate resident added that the bus was stuck for about an hour before being let through.

Witnesses commenting on social media report hearing loud popping and explosions.

Julie James wrote on Facebook: “Sturry tyres is on fire and exploding.

“Avoid is as the road is blocked off.”

The A28 was shut in both directions from Sturry Hill to Vauxhall Road but has since reopened.

A fire service spokesman said: “Firefighting operations have now ended at the scene of a commercial property fire on Mill Road in Sturry, Canterbury.

”Two people were handed into the care of SECAmb paramedics suffering the effects of smoke inhalation.

“The cause of the fire is not yet known.”

Stagecoach buses said services have resumed but there are knock-on delays.

A post on X said: “All routes are back to normal line of route through Sturry. Please be aware services will still be delayed/missing due to lateness. Please continue to check the app for live bus locations.”