Homes were evacuated and a cordon put in place after a fire close to a busy high street.

Residents were forced to leave their homes in Canterbury Street, Gillingham, just before 1.30pm after reports of a gas main alight.

Speaking earlier, a spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “One fire engine is at the scene.

“Firefighters have put a cordon in place.”

Nearby homes had to be evacuated as a precaution.

Fire crews issued an update at 4.21pm to confirm the blaze is now out and residents have returned to their properties.

Waseem Hanif, spokesman for gas distribution company SGN said: “Earlier today, a third party damage caused by an electricity cable affected our gas network in Canterbury Street, Gillingham.

“Our engineers are onsite repairing the damage and making safe.”

However, the road will remain closed in both directions between Rock Avenue and the A231 for Nelson Road while repair works are carried out.