People are being advised to avoid part of a town centre after a fire broke out at a restaurant.

Five fire engines have been sent to the building blaze at the end of Star Hill and Rochester High Street.

An eyewitness told KentOnline firefighters could be seen going in and out of the basement at Oliver’s bar and restaurant but the operation was now being scaled down.

The incident was first reported at around 8am today and police were also at the scene assisting firefighters who have been using main jets to put out the flames.

A worker at Havel Surchi Barbers, across the Eastgate road junction, said: “It was happening in the basement of Oliver’s bar – I think they were using a tumble dryer.”

There does not appear to be any damage to the outside of the building but all restaurant windows remain open.

Road closures remain in place and the fire service has asked people to stay away from the area.

An employee at the Sue Ryder shop on the high street earlier told KentOnline they had already travelled into work when they noticed the incident.

“I told my volunteers not to come in,” she said. “But they’ve [the fire service] been keeping us informed and we are safe.”

More as we have it.