Homes were plunged into darkness on Christmas Eve when a fire broke out at a fish and chip shop.

Firefighters were called to Bells Fish and Chicken shop in Commercial Road, Paddock Wood this afternoon.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “When fire crews arrived smoke was billowing out of the three-storey building. A team wearing breathing apparatus went into the heavily smoke-logged property.

“They used a hose reel jet to get the fire under control and a positive pressure ventilation fan to get rid of the smoke.”

The 999 call was made just before 2.30pm. The fire at the restaurant in Commercial Road was put out shortly after 3pm. Fire-fighters climbed into the living area above the shop using a 13.5m ladder to check everyone was safe.

UK Power was still on the scene at 5.45pm as the blaze caused a power cut which plunged a number of other shops and homes into darkness.