A blaze ripped through a Chinese takeaway in the early hours of the morning.

Four fire engines were sent to Good Friends Chinese in Hengist Avenue, Margate, shortly after 1.30am.

Crews were on scene until 8.20am and the ground floor was destroyed.

A spokesman for the fire service said: "Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s Emergency Control Centre was alerted to a fire in Hengist Avenue, Margate at 1.39am.

"The caller reported smoke and flames coming from the property.

"Four fire engines and a height vehicle were sent to the three-storey building, used as a takeaway with living accommodation above. There were no reports of any casualties.

"Police closed the road while the firefighting operation took place.

"Crews used main jets to fight the blaze, which destroyed the ground floor of the property.

"The fire caused 50 per cent damage to the first floor and 40 per cent damage to the roof of the building. All floors suffered heavy water damage.

"By 3.20am the incident was reduced to two fire engines and crews remained at the scene damping down and checking the interior of the building for hotspots until 8.20am. Duty of care was left with the owner shortly after 9am."