Flats in a town centre have been engulfed by flames with fire crews battling the blaze.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called at around 8.30am to the fire in Commercial Road, Paddock Wood, which has taken hold just metres from a petrol station.

The flats, situated next to Firefly Properties and KMB Hair salon, could be seen with smoke pouring from its windows.

There are reports that nobody has been injured but two dogs had to be saved by firefighters.

A spokesman for KFRS said: "We were called to a house fire in Commercial Road, Paddock Wood, near Tonbridge.

"Five fire engines attended and crews wearing breathing apparatus used three hose reel jets, a main jet and a fog spike, which stabs through walls and sprays water inside, to extinguish the blaze.

"A high pressure fan was used to clear the building of smoke. The house was made up of three flats, the ground floor flat being severely damaged by fire and the other two damaged by smoke.

"There are no reported casualties and the cause is not yet known. The section of Commercial Road near to the Esso garage is closed while emergency services are on the scene."

Sarah Hall was walking her three children to school when she and others in the area noticed the huge amounts of smoke.

The 32-year-old said: "I walked past and it was horrendous. There are three flats in there and they are ruined.

"The bottom and top flat have basically been destroyed. We live at the end of the road and everyone could see the smoke and flames.

"All the road is cordoned off. I just feel so sorry for the poor people who live there."