A CLOUD of asbestos was sent flying into the night’s sky over Ramsgate after the roof of a blazing carpet warehouse exploded.

More than 80 firefighters were called to the Lewis Carpet Warehouse shortly after 9pm last night after the alarm was raised.

Initially, just three pumps attended but it was soon discovered that many more would be needed, along with height vehicles and other support vehicles such as a water management unit from Faversham and an incident support unit from Ashford.

Firefighters tackled the blaze from outside as the building was unsafe and dangerous to enter. At one point part of the roof collapsed.

Some firefighters positioned themselves on top of nearby building and damped down walls to stop the blaze spreading.

Senior Divisional Officer Neal Fowler said: “The crews did an excellent job in stopping the fire from spreading into Nettos, which is the closest building and almost attached, as well as the property the other side. The fire was quite severe at its height.”

Two men, one aged 19 and the other 21, have been arrested on suspicion of arson and are currently being questioned by Thanet Police.