A historian says a blaze at a listed building is "a disaster".

Last night, 10 fire engines tackled the fire at the former Portlands Factory Club in the High Street, Northfleet.

Plumes of black smoke could be seen across Gravesend as flames took hold at the Grade II listed building.

Eight fire engines were initially called along with a bulk water carrier at around 4.30pm but within 40 minutes this had increased to 10 and a height vehicle was deployed.

By 8.45pm two engines remained with crews checking for and damping down any hotspots. A drone was also sent up to survey the area.

All checks were complete by 10.47pm, with earlier advice lifted for people living and working nearby to keep doors and windows closed.

People were being asked to avoid the area as a cordon and road closures were put in place.

No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is not yet known.

This morning, one fire engine was at the scene seemingly monitoring the building and two police cars were parked up nearby.

There was no visible damage to the building from the street but remnants of police tape were tied around lampposts in the High Street and Factory Road.

Historian Christoph Bull was devastated to hear the news. He said: "This is a disaster for the town of Northfleet.

"The loss is unimaginable. The building is one of the most important in Europe. It is not just some old hall – this is a really important building.

"It is a very, very significant building not only in Northfleet but internationally. I am as upset as I can be.

"It is not just some disused place, this is a place of great importance."

The Portlands Factory Club was built in 1878 by Thomas Bevan.

Christoph explained: "Thomas Bevan was a cement manufacturer. Its design has international importance.

"It is very ornate, so when Bevan completed the structure he showed what could be done with cement."

Although it has been empty for 30 years Christoph said the property was once a hub for the area and used to have its own outdoor pool and a stage.

Scouts would use the building – at the junction with Factory Road – and it also hosted political meetings and theatrical performances.

Christoph said: "Anything and everything went on in the Factory Club. It has been empty for the last 30 years, although it was a nightclub for some time.

"It did not do too well, though, as there wasn't any parking. Hopefully any damage caused by the fire can be repaired so the building can be restored."

Speaking yesterday, Cllr Lauren Sullivan, Gravesham council's cabinet member for strategic environment, said: "Like many in Northfleet I was saddened and angry to learn of the fire at The Portlands building, which is a landmark of Northfleet and of our borough.

"While we currently do not know the cause of the fire, I wish to reassure residents that this incident will be investigated under our enforcement strategy and powers given to us under government regulations.

"We will look to ensure that this proud listed building is restored as soon as possible.

"Thank you to all our partners in the emergency services for what they have done so far to contain this fire and for the support and advice they have given local residents and businesses.

"We will, of course, keep residents and businesses updated when we know more.”