Four fire engines, a height vehicle and around 30 firefighters attended the a blaze in a pub.

Crews were called at 5.06pm to find the pub in Hoo had already been safely evacuated and no one has been reported injured.

Hose reel jets and Fogspike has been used to tackle the flames.

Red Cross volunteers and Kent Fire and Rescue Services' volunteer response team helped those evacuated with emotional and welfare support.

It is not currently clear how the fire started. Crews stood down at 8.48pm.

Brittany McKenzie was having a family meal at the pub this evening. She said: "The lights went out in our half of the room.

"We thought it was a trip or something and we all had a giggle about it. They came back on and it happened again, three times altogether. Eventually they went out completely.

"There was about 20 of us there and the staff thought it was a long term thing so we left.

"Everyone was calm. The kids were playing with torches and making shadow puppets. People were trying to entertain them to keep them calm and we were having a giggle.

"When we got outside we heard a fizz and then there was a bang and a spark. Everyone jumped back and I must have ran about 10 metres.

"You can't fault the staff. When the lights went out they were so apologetic and offered to make us a plate to take with us."