The basement of a high street restaurant has been severely damaged by fire.

The fire broke in the Akash Tandoori restaurant on Chatham High Street this morning.

It has since been confirmed that a cannabis factory was found in the building.

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Crews were called around 8.45am after smoke was seen billowing from the basement of the three-storey building near the county court.

Nearby businesses and shops were left without power, and a UK Power Network engineer was at the scene.

Three fire engines and around 13 firefighters were sent to the scene, and teams wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels and water from a hydrant to fight the fire.

Around 9.30am, the crews had extinguished the fire and started damping down hot spots. A special fan was used to clear the smoke.

Video: Firefighters at the scene of a fire in Chatham High Street

The basement area has been severely damaged by fire and the rest of the building has minor smoke logging.

People who work nearby have told Kent Online there has been several power cuts on the street this week. The restaurant is thought to have been shut for some time.

The road was closed between Medway Street and Hamond Hill, and Hamond Hill was also closed. It reopened at 11.15am but the footpath outside remained closed.

Police were at the scene directing traffic, and pedestrians and drivers were asked to avoid the area.

A police spokesman said officers assisted Kent Fire and Rescue Service following a report of a fire in High Street, Chatham at around 9am.

She added: "No injuries have been reported. Our enquiries are ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the fire."