An investigation will be launched after a fire destroyed the roofs of two houses in Folkestone this afternoon.

There are around 25 firefighters dealing with the fire in Alexandra Street which has since spread to a third property.

Five properties have been evacuated after the blaze broke out in a row of three-storey houses opposite the Tesco Express shop on Dover Road.

The fire service said they understand nobody has been injured in the blaze, which started just after 1.30pm.

Three hours after the fire started, crews remain at the scene dealing with fire in the third of the three houses after the roofs of two houses were destroyed.

Smoke was seen billowing from the building earlier this afternoon and a height vehicle is spraying water on the fire to extinguish the flames.

Firefighters say they do not yet know what caused the fire but ensured that it will be investigated.

Traffic is being diverted via Canterbury Road and Joyes Road.

A police spokesman confirmed they attended the scene to deal with the road closure.

Fire crews from five fire engines and the height vehicle are currently dealing with the fire and to stop it spreading to other properties.

Flames have died down but a hole has been left in the roof where the fire has damaged the building.

Video: The building fire is being tackled by dozens of firefighters

Witness Beccy Pollard drove past the scene on her way home nearby.

She said: "Fire engines are outside and a lot of smoke coming from the roof.

"There's a really strong smell of the smoke. It's causing a lot more problems now and more police cars and engines have just turned up."

She added people are standing around in the shop car park watching the fire crews working.

Crews are wearing breathing apparatus and using main jets and high pressure hose reel jets to extinguish the flames.

Buses have also been diverted around the incident with Stagecoach warning of delays for the "next few hours".