Emergency crews were called to a fire that took hold of a bungalow this morning.

Police, paramedics and the fire service were sent to Mayfield Road in Herne Bay after the alarm was raised before 6am.

Firefighters spent hours dousing the flames, which destroyed much of the semi-detached home’s roof.

A neighbour told KentOnline they believed the occupants were not in at the time the blaze broke out.

Six fire engines and a number of specialist vehicles were at the scene at the height of the incident.

An extended ladder was used to reach the roof, from which smoke continued to pour at about 8am.

The road was shut off in both directions between Douglas Road and Herne Avenue.

Shortly before 11am, a Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Firefighting operations have now ended at the scene of a bungalow fire in Mayfield Road, Herne Bay.

“The cause of the fire is not yet known and there are believed to be no reported injuries.

“A warn and inform to avoid the area has now been lifted and Mayfield Road has been reopened in both directions.”