Around 40 houses had to be evacuated overnight following a fire in a garage in Maidstone.

Firefighters were called at just before midnight to a garage which contained pressurized gas canisters along Beaconsfield Road in Tovil.

A 200m cordon was set up, meaning families had to be evacuated.

Those who did not stay with friends or family have spent the night at Mote Park Leisure Centre.

A small industrial estate is also included in the cordon.

It is thought families may not be allowed back into their homes until late tonight.

Kent Police, Kent County Council and the Red Cross are helping those who have been affected.

The fire is now out and no-one has been injured.

Kent Police's Inspector David Coleman said: “To ensure everyone's safety it has been necessary to put this cordon in place.

“Residents can also be assured that we have increased police presence around the proximity of the cordon to ensure it remains secure.

'We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused to those residents and business owners within the cordon and thank the community for their assistance during this time whilst KFRS carry out their duties.'

“It is anticipated this cordon will remain in place for approximately 24 hours. Further updates however will be made available on the Kent Police website and through local media."