A fire destroyed a former care home in the early hours of this morning.

More than 30 firefighters fought 50ft flames at the property in Blackburn Road, Herne Bay, as the fire reached its peak at around 2.30am.

Residents, awoken by the sound of cracking timber and glass, turned out from as far as four streets away to watch the emergency services at work.

The cause is thought to be suspicious and investigators have been at the property all morning.

The old care home has been empty for some time and is currently on the market with David Clarke estate agents, valued at £375,000.

and has been empty for some time.

No one was inside when the emergency services arrived.

Firefighter Nigel Grace, of the Herne Bay crew, said: "Fortunately the house next door was also empty because we were worried about the fire spreading.

"We had to force our way in there, but no one living in the road needed evacuating.

"The roof has totally gone and the whole building collapsed to the first floor."

Firefighters were stood down at 6.30am.

A section of Blackburn Road remains closed this morning as fire investigators examine the scene.