Dramatic pictures show the carnage caused by a huge fire at a warehouse at Chatham Docks being tackled by almost 50 firefighters.

Ten fire engines were sent to the blaze that broke out in the early hours – and people living in the area have been warned to keep windows and doors shut due to the smoke.

Electrical safety engineers from UK Power Networks, gas safety engineers and police are also at the scene, and the latter has been asked for more details.

Pictures, taken by Aerial Imaging South East, have revealed the extent of the damage to the warehouse, much of which has been destroyed.

It is understood the business affected is Chatham Freight, a recycling firm that used the building as storage.

At 7.55am, a fire service spokesman said: "Crews have surrounded the fire and are fighting the fire from the height vehicle as well as from the ground using hose reels, main jets and ground monitors.

"Good progress is being made in putting the fire out.

"No injuries have been reported at this incident.

"The cause has not yet been established."

Just before 6am, the fire service said the response had been scaled up to 10 fire engines, a bulk water carrier, high volume pump, height vehicle and a technical rescue team.

A spokesman added: "It is recommended that people in the local area close their windows and doors due to the smoke at this incident."

The alarm was initially raised at about 2.50am.

"Woken by two bangs in the early hours. Later, smoke over (possibly) St Mary's Island or near Gillingham Asda."

At 3.58am, there were eight fire engines, a bulk water carrier, high volume pump and height vehicle at the scene.

"Due to the volume of 999 calls we want to thank the public and state we are aware of this incident," said the spokesman.

People living nearby reported hearing loud bangs.

Maria C McCarthy tweeted: "Woken by two bangs in the early hours. Later, smoke over (possibly) St Mary's Island or near Gillingham Asda.

She added: "Fire at Chatham Docks apparently. Started just before 3.00 a.m. which is when I heard the bangs. Hope no one was hurt. There is still smoke, at 6.30."

And @shaunhills tweeted: "Got woken up by loud bangs this morning, hope no one has been hurt."

This afternoon Kent Fire and Rescue Service said they remained at the scene, but their presence had been reduced to three fire engines, a height vehicle and a high volume pump.

The request for nearby residents to close windows and doors has now been lifted.

The docks themselves have this year been at the centre of a row over the future of the site.

Multi-million pound plans by Peel L&P to close the docks and build 3,625 homes have been tabled.

But the proposals have been met with stiff opposition from businesses, politicians and some residents.

More as we get it.