Firefighters tackled a blaze at the Western Docks in Dover for several hours today (Sunday).

They were called at around 11am after a work boat with its engine room alight was brought into Dover Marina.

New equipment called fog spikes were used to punch small holes into the engine room compartment and high pressure hoses were then used to deliver a fine mist of water to rapidly reduce the temperature and extinguish the fire.

Crews also used breathing apparatus and a hose reel jet to put out the blaze.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said: "It was about tactics and safety as it's an unusual fire, we've got to tackle it in the right way and not put firefighters in any danger in enclosed spaces.

"We worked very closely with Dover docks, Port of Dover police and the owners of the vessel."

The cause of the fire is not yet known and there have been no report of injuries.

The vessel is believed to be badly damaged.

The spokesman said: "There is still work to be done to get rid of the badly damaged parts. "The fire was in the engine room so it's unlikely to be moving any time soon."

Four crews of firefighters, including a technical rescue unit and the Environment Agency were on the scene until 3.30pm this afternoon.

A spokesman for the Port of Dover said: "A work boat was brought into the Dover Marina, following a report of smoke coming from its engine room. Relevant services were in attendance and promptly dealt with this minor incident. There were no injuries to anyone involved."