Five fire engines were sent to tackle a blaze in a restaurant and flats in the early hours of this morning.

Dramatic pictures have since emerged of the huge fire at Saffron Indian Restaurant.

Residents nearby were told to close windows and doors as crews wearing breathing apparatus fought the flames in Leysdown Road, Leysdown-on-Sea.

Firefighters used a height vehicle and a hose reel jet as they extinguished the blaze at the two-storey property, which comprises the Saffron Indian Restaurant and residential properties.

The cause of the fire - which started about 3am - is being investigated.

No injuries have been reported and the advice to keep windows and doors shut has now been lifted.

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