Images taken this morning show the devastating effect a blaze has had on a historic Victorian building.

A large fire broke out at Sheerness water tower in Trinity Road at around 8pm last night.

At its height, five fire crews were at the scene battling the blaze at the derelict tower.

The top floors of the building were fully alight, with flames and smoke billowing out of its windows into the night sky.

Kent Fire and Rescue Services initially warned residents nearby to keep their doors and windows closed. This has now been lifted

The Victorian water tower has been derelict and boarded up for many years despite Islanders campaigning to have it renovated.

Pictures taken this morning reveal the aftermath of the fire – the roof of the building has now collapsed and the windows on the top floor are singed.

Retired civil servant Les Pilling, 56, lives directly opposite the water tower.

He said: “The first I knew of the fire was the noise of the fire engines suddenly appearing. There was complete pandemonium with hoses all over the place. I thought ‘good grief, it’s all gone up’.

“At first there were loads of people watching but the police scurried them away. Even with the windows closed I could feel the heat.

“Luckily the wind was blowing the smoke straight up but there was a time I thought we might all be evacuated. I got a bag and my car keys ready just in case.

“It is so sad. It’s a lovely looking building. It would be nice to try to save it but it’s become targeted by hooligans.”

Our reporter, John Nurden, speaking outside the building said: "It's been standing here for over 120 years.

"This is just an absolute tragedy. As soon as you come into the town, you can smell the acrid smell of smoke.

He added: "At its peak there were flames and smoke going straight into the night sky."

As of this morning, firefighters are still dampening down the inside of the building.

A spokesman from fire and rescue said: "One fire engine remains at the scene of the derelict building fire and firefighters are working to damp down hot spots.

"There are no reported injuries and investigation work into the cause is being carried out."

Police were also at the scene and have said the fire is currently being treated as unexplained.