Residents reported hearing “small explosions” after a blaze broke out in a derelict building.

Firefighters were called to the former Portlands club building, in Northfleet, at around 1am this morning (July 5).

Samantha Stiles, who lives near the former community centre, said was one of the people to ring the emergency services.

She said: “I was lying in bed when I could smell burning. I came down and opened my front door and the road was filling with thick smoke.

“I called 999 and went in and closed all my windows as it was coming in the house.

“The police arrived first and woke the house directly beside the fire. The fire crew arrived very shortly after. They extinguished it very quickly.

“The smoke was unlike before. It went from smoke to intense flames very quickly.

“I am guessing due to the rain it must have been quite damp and there were a lot of pops and loud bangs like small explosions which were causing embers to go into the air.”

She said it appeared to have broke out at the back of the property, in the High Street, but said it was under control by 2am.

Eight fire engines, a height vehicle and a bulk water carrier were sent to the scene, and firefighters extinguished the flames using hose reel jets and main jets.

The technical rescue unit also attended and crews left just after 4.30am.

No injuries were reported, and the cause is not yet known although the fire is being treated as suspicious.

Police officers have been making inquiries into the cause and anyone with information is urged to call the force on 01474 366149, quoting reference 46/119004/23.

The building was built in 1878 by Thomas Bevan and known as the Factory Club.

Since opening it has been a hub for the people of Northfleet, hosting meetings, Scouts and theatrical performances.

Samantha added: “I really wish they would allow the community to have the building so it could be put to good use and made safe. It is such a beautiful building full of history.

“Hopefully it will go on to survive another day but it is becoming a massive safety concern.”

In December, another fire broke out in the Grade II listed property with plumes of black smoke seen billowing across Gravesend.

Speaking at the time, historian Christoph Bull said he was devastated to hear the news and branded it “a disaster for the town of Northfleet.”