Firefighters have been called to tackle a blaze at a new-build estate.

The crew had to use cutting tools to get through a locked gate at Taylor Wimpey’s Shorncliffe Heights development in Cheriton, Folkestone, to access a construction site where smoke had been spotted.

One resident said: “There was a really strong smell and we thought there had been a gas leak.

“But when I went to look outside, smoke had drifted across the whole estate.”

Many residents came out of their homes to see where the smoke had been coming from.

The fire appears to have started in a part of the development where new homes are currently being built for what will be known as the Risborough Court section of Shorncliffe Heights.

A fire engine arrived at the scene at about 9pm.

It is not yet known how the blaze started.

A fire service spokesperson said: “Two fire engines attended and crews used hose reel jets to extinguish the flames.

“There were no reported injuries and the cause is not yet known.”

The crews left the scene at 9.30pm.