Firefighters battled a blaze at a metal recycling centre which raged for more than 30 hours.

Crews have now extinguished the fire, which broke out at a commercial site in Garrison Road near Sheerness Docks at around 11.10am on Saturday.

Six fire engines, a bulk water carrier and a technical rescue unit were in attendance.

No injuries have been reported so far.

Yesterday, people on social media reported the plumes of smoke could be seen from eight miles away, at Southend Pier.

People living in the area are advised to close windows and doors due to smoke.

At 9.07pm on Sunday, Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “People living or working near Garrison Road, Sheerness, and surrounding areas are advised to close windows and doors and avoid the area due to smoke still coming from the incident.

“Crews have extinguished the flames at a metal recycling centre and will continue to dampen down the scene.

“Please share this advice with any loved ones in the affected area who might not have access to the internet or social media.”

A Sims Metal spokesman added: “On Saturday 17 February, at approximately midday, we were notified of a fire occurring in a scrap metal stockpile at our Port of Sheerness operation. Sims Metal staff, alongside the Kent Fire and Rescue Service, attended the site and worked to contain the fire.

“Kent Fire and Rescue Service remained on site until the fire had been completely extinguished at approximately midnight on 18 February. While still too early to confirm the cause of the incident, we will work with local authorities to investigate, as well as undertake clean-up efforts.

“We want to thank the fire service and all those, including our onsite team, who acted diligently to extinguish the fire safely. Sims Metal apologises to local residents for any disruption caused as a result of the incident.”