An investigation is underway into a fire which destroyed a former care home in Greenhill early this morning.

The cause is thought to be suspicious and investigators have been at the property, in Blackburn Road, all morning.

More than 30 firefighters from Herne Bay, Canterbury and Whitstable fought 50ft flames as the fire reached its peak at around 2.30am.

Nearby residents, woken by the cracking timber and glass, turned out from as far as four streets away to watch the emergency services at work.

The old care home is on the market and has been empty for some time. No one was inside when the emergency services arrived.

Firefighter Nigel Grace, of the Herne Bay crew, said: "Fortunately the house next door was also empty because we were worried about the fire spreading.

"We had to force our way in there, but no one living in the road needed evacuating.

"The roof has totally gone and the whole building collapsed to the first floor."

The former care home is for sale with David Clarke estate agents for £375,000.

Firefighters were stood down at 6.30am.

A section of Blackburn Road remains closed as fire investigators examine the scene.