The A2 in Rainham has now reopened following a building fire.

Crews were called to a flat above the Rain Grill kebab shop at the junction of High Street and Stratford Lane at 2.50am.

The flat and roof space has been destroyed by fire and there is extensive damage to the kebab shop below.

Neighbouring properties were affected by smoke and water damage and had to be evacuated.

Around 25 firefighters attended, including with a height vehicle, and were at the scene for about three hours.

There are no reports of any injuries. The tenant living in the flat is thought to have been away on holiday so it was empty when the blaze broke out.

Crew manager James West, from Medway fire station, said: "There was smoke emitting from the front when we arrived and there was a well-established fire emitting from the back.

"Fortunately that building was empty but people were evacuated from other buildings.

"The fire damage is total. There is no roof on it any more."

Landlord Recep Karapinar, who lives in Hempstead, got a phone call just before 3am.

Speaking at the scene this morning he said: "I came down straight away so I was here from about 3.10am to 6am.

"The first thing I saw when I arrived was a lot of smoke and all the firefighters.

"The firefighters have told me the fire started in the flat but they don't know how.

"I'm waiting for the fire inspectors - I can't get inside until they have been."

He added: "The police have told me the front door was open when the firefighters arrived."

People living in the flats next door were able to return to their homes at about 5.30am.

Police remained at the scene and the cause of the fire is being investigated.