Fire crews have been tackling a blaze at an empty building in Sittingbourne this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the A2 London Road after a fire on the third floor and in the roof space of the former offices near DIY store Wickes, which have been boarded up for some time.

The alarm was raised at about 5pm and the road had to be shut while firefighters wearing breathing apparatus fought the flames.

A police spokesman said officers were drafted in at 5.10pm to divert traffic heading in and out of Sittingbourne, with the road closed between Staplehurst Road and Key Street.

It is understood the fire was out within about half an hour.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said the cause of the fire was not yet known.