An investigation is under way after a huge blaze gutted a commercial laundry in Faversham today.

Police and fire chiefs are trying to establish if the large fire at Faversham Linen Services was started deliberately.

Dozens of firefighters tackled the blaze in Ashford Road since the early hours amid long delays for commuters.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service urged people living nearby to keep their windows and doors closed as smoke poured into the sky.

Workers at the family-owned firm spoke of their shock and of how they have rallied around the company to offer support.

Around 60 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus had surrounded the blaze and used hosereels and jets to bring it under control.

At 7.15am, the smoke was dying down - but nearby residents were urged to keep windows and doors closed.

Firefighting was scaled down to two crews by 9am, with damping down continuing into the morning.

There have been no reports of any injuries and an investigation into the cause of the fire has now begun.

Kent Police spokesman Glenn Pearson said: "I can confirm police, along with Kent Fire and Rescue, are investigating the cause of the fire to establish if there was any suspicious ignition. This is in the early stages."

Fire crews were on the scene within minutes as the laundry business is just yards away from the station in Beaumont Davy Close.

Incident commander Martin Skeet said firefighters had to first establish if there were any people in the factory.

He said: "We were called just before four this morning. It was a very large and well established fire burning in the building.

"The damage has almost completely burnt through the factory."

Video: Fire crews at the scene of the Faversham laundry blaze

Among the shocked employees was Terry Stevens, who has worked at the family business for 17 years.

He turned up for work this morning and found the factory alight.

Mr Stevens said: "It is a shock. I came walking up the road and there was a fire engine. We don't know what happened yet. The boss looks shocked and upset."

Co-worker Stacy Peacock heard from his supervisor the building had gone up in flames - but still came to work to show support for the company.

He said: "My supervisor called and said don't come in today, the factory has been burnt to the ground.

"I have worked here for many years, this job is my livelihood. We are all here to support the family and the business in any way we can. It is a big blow."

Kent Police said the A251 Ashford Road was closed between the A2 and M2 until around 10.30am.

And the M2 coastbound exit slip road at junction J6 for Faversham was also shut because of the fire.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area during this morning's rush hour.

Faversham Linen Services is a family-owned company established in 1898.

It provides commercial cleaning for firms including hotels, restaurants, shops and care homes across Kent, Surrey, Sussex and south London from its 23,000ft laundry.