Thick plumes of smoke are billowing across parts of Medway as fire crews battle a blaze at a scrap yard.

Crews were called to the yard at Royal Eagle Close on the Medway City Estate in Strood at 10.31am today.

Firefighters in six pumps have been fighting the blaze at Kent Metals Medway, and police have cordoned off the area.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said: "Residents living in the close area of the Medway City Estate are being encouraged to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution.

"Fire control has received a number of calls regarding the large black plume of smoke that can be seen above the fire."

Crews arrived at the scene to find a well developed fire in the yard involving a metal shredder.

Firefighters are using breathing apparatus and foam to suppress and tackle the blaze.

There are no reported injuries at this time.

Colin King, a group manager at Kent Fire and Rescue Service, was on the scene.

He said: “We’ve now dealt with the incident but are staying on scene to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.

Crews have worked really hard to put out the fire, and we’ve also had help by scrapyard staff who have used machinery to help us extinguish the fire.”