A roof fire at a historic house in Langton Green has been extinguished following a lengthy battle involving 30 firefighters.

The blaze at the cottage in Speldhurst Road broke out just after 2.30pm yesterday but it was not until 8.30am today that the last fire engine left the scene.

The fire destroyed the roof and second floor of the three storey building, which also has a basement.

The first floor suffered 20% damage and the ground floor has been damaged by water.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

Five crews from Kent and one from East Sussex are on the scene of the blaze attended.

A height vehicle and three jets have been used to tackle the blaze in the roof.

Police also attended to control the traffic in the area.