A health centre has been forced to close for at least two days following a fire.

Firefighters were called to the blaze at Hawkinge Health Centre in Canterbury Road, near Folkestone, just after 12pm yesterday.

The fire was in one of the clinical rooms, and two engines were sent to put it out. Crews left the scene just before 1.45pm.

No injuries have been reported but the health centre will not reopen until later this week due to extensive smoke damage.

A statement on the centre’s website says: “The Hawkinge Health Centre is currently closed due to a fire.

“The practice will remain closed on Wednesday, December 20 and Thursday, December 21.

“There is extensive smoke damage and we are unable to work from the building. We are currently contacting patients who have booked appointments to offer alternative sites to be seen.

“Please bear with us during this difficult time and we will keep patients updated as much as possible and as soon as we have further information.

“Our phone lines remain open between surgery hours of 8am to 6:30pm but due to these difficult times there may be a delay in answering the calls.

“Thank you for your patience. Our staff are working to provide as normal service as possible but there will be some disruption. Prescriptions will be processed as usual in three working days.

“Outside of practice hours, please call NHS 111 for urgent queries or 999 in a medical emergency.”

Any patients requiring updates or advice should visit the Hawkinge Health Centre website.