Pictures have revealed the full extent of damage caused by a large fire at a derelict village club.

Firefighters were called to the former Royal British Legion building on Burgess Road, Aylesham, at 1.35am which has now been demolished as a result of the blaze.

At its peak, six fire engines, a height vehicle and a bulk water carrier were on the scene to tackle the blaze.

Only one fire engine and a support vehicle were present at 11am to supervise the still-burning club, which closed in 2017.

Crews have remained at the scene throughout the day and an update from the fire service at 4.30pm said firefighters were using hoses to cool the area around the club.

Large plant machinery was brought in to demolish the building with firefighting and demolition finishing at about 7pm.

An earlier statement issued at 12.30pm said: "Kent Fire and Rescue Service remains at the scene, with two fire engines, a height vehicle and its Technical Rescue team now in attendance.

"Crews are working with building control officers to make the area safe.

"People living nearby are still asked to keep their windows and doors shut while work continues at the scene."

It has also been revealed by police that the blaze may have been started deliberately.

A spokesman said: "Officers are appealing for information following a suspected arson at a property in Burgess Road, Aylesham, Canterbury shortly before 2am on Monday, 13 April 2020.

"A building, which was unoccupied, was damaged in the incident.

"Inquiries are ongoing and officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have information about the incident."

KentOnline reporter Charles Harman visited the street at 11am. He said: "A large section of the road is still cordoned off, with a hose remaining connected to the water mains.

"It's an eerie scene as it sits above a large playing field, billowing smoke over much of the village.

"The acrid smell is very strong, and you can still see smoke pumping from the inside - it seems to still be on fire but only at a very small size compared to last night.

"The whole structure has been gutted, but thankfully it is detached from any other property and sits quite far back from the residential road."

People were asked by the fire service to keep their windows closed as a precaution.

The cause is not yet known but is believed to be a suspected arson attack.

Witnesses are asked to contact police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/63637/20.

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