An investigation is to be launched after a fire ripped through six terraced homes, causing severe damaged.

Firefighters spent eight hours battling the blaze in Rose Street, Gravesend, which caused a roof collapse.

A video from the scene showed smoke billowing from the properties yesterday evening.

Ten fire engines, a height vehicle, and a command support unit were at the scene at the height of the blaze.

A volunteer response team was also called to support affected residents. Initially the service was called to a fire at a single property just after 5pm, but over the evening it spread.

The fire service said crews worked hard to bring the blaze under control, and it was finally out by 1am. Three fire engines stayed at the scene overnight, with firefighters checking for hot spots, damping down and keeping an eye on the structural stability of the buildings.

One fire engine remains there this morning.

In a statement issued at 7am today, a fire service spokesman said: “Six terrace homes have been impacted by this incident, all severely damaged with partial roof collapse, and our thoughts are with the affected residents. There are no reported injuries.

“Firefighters will be visiting residents in the surrounding properties today to provide reassurance, as part of standard post incident protocol after a fire.”

Paige Mckee, who lives in a flat in the Hive across from Rose Street said: "There were a lot of sirens when the emergency service was coming to the scene.

“The firefighters are trying to put the fire out but it keeps burning. I noticed the smoke first around 5pm.It looks as if the roof has completely burnt off and almost the entire terrace of houses on fire."

People were told to avoid the area, and neighbours were warned to keep windows and doors closed due to the smoke, but this advice has since been lifted.