additional reporting by Elli Hodgson

People are being urged to avoid an area of Faversham after a “significant” fire broke out in the early hours.

Ten fire engines, a command support unit, and a height vehicle were all sent to Salters Lane in Faversham after the blaze broke out at 18 minutes after midnight today (Saturday).

Tom Edwards, area manager with Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The incident has been scaled back through the night and the fire is under control, so we have reduced our attendance there.

“We are looking to investigate the cause of the fire and that will take the majority of the day as those investigations are just beginning.

“We would like to ask the people in the local area to avoid the area wherever possible.”

As of 10.45am, two fire engines remained at the scene as crews dampened down hotspots.

As a result of the blaze, Mr Edwards said Canterbury Road was affected in Faversham, so although it is open there is limited access.

He added: “I cannot confirm any casualty numbers or details at the moment but I can say it was a large residential building that was affected and it was a significant fire.”

At its height, he estimated between 50 and 60 firefighters were on scene.

People living in the surrounding area were advised to close windows and doors to keep out smoke coming from the residential property.

Officers also asked people to avoid the area while emergency services - including Kent Police, KFRS Volunteer Response Team and South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) - worked at the scene.

A drone was also flown over the area as part of the operation.

Crews worked throughout the night and in an update at 6am, KFRS said things were being scaled back.

The statement said: “The earlier advice for residents near Salters Lane in Faversham to close windows and doors has been lifted, however people are still urged to avoid the area.

“Please share this information with loved ones and neighbours in the affected area who may not have access to the internet.

“Four fire engines, a height vehicle, a command support unit, and a technical rescue team remain at the scene of the house fire. The fire is under control and crews are making good progress.

“KFRS' volunteer response team was deployed early on in the incident to support impacted residents.

“Kent Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service are also in attendance.”