A main road had to be closed while four fire engines tackled a “suspicious” blaze at a derelict building this morning.

The emergency services were called to Valley Drive, Gravesend, at about 3.15am and remained on the scene for more than four hours.

As a result, Valley Drive was closed and those living and working in the area were advised to keep their windows and doors closed.

Shortly before 8am it was confirmed the fire had been extinguished and its cause was being “treated as suspicious”.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Crews have made good progress to extinguish the fire and are dampening down remaining hotspots.

“Smoke in the area has now reduced, and people living or working nearby are no longer advised to keep windows and doors closed.

“Valley Drive road has been reopened, no injuries have been reported, and the cause is being treated as suspicious.”

A police spokesperson confirmed that the force was called at 3.39am.

They said: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene where the blaze was extinguished.

“The fire is being treated as suspicious and enquiries are underway into the circumstances.”