Firefighters spent almost six hours tackling a suspicious fire at the former Buckland Hospital in Dover.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service says it was called at about 8.40pm last night and sent seven engines to the site.

A spokesman said: "Multiple crews wearing breathing apparatus used main jets to tackle the fire on the ground floor."

More than 30 firefighters were sent to tackle the flames.

Crews also used positive pressure ventilation fans to clear the building of smoke and finally left the scene at 2.22am.

No-one was hurt but a police investigation has been launched.

Local MP Charlie Elphicke commented on Facebook: "Deeply shocked by fire at the old Buckland Hospital in Dover and hope no-one has been hurt."

A spokesman said: "Kent Police is investigating a fire in a former hospital in Coombe Valley Road, Dover.

"Officers attended the scene to assist Kent Fire and Rescue Service after they were called to the empty building at 8.51pm on Monday 3 July 2017.

"No injuries were reported and the fire is now being treated as suspicious."

The fire had also been commented about on the Facebook page Dover for Disgruntled Dovorians.

The old Buckland Hospital, in Coombe Valley Road, was replaced by the present one, just down the road, in 2015.

Officers are asking for any witnesses or anyone with information to contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 03-1369.