Firefighters are tackling a large fire in a range of garages and workshops at the Tower Industrial Estate in Wrotham.

The estate is home to a number of small businesses, housed in generally one-storey buildings. The seat of the blaze appears to be in Coronation Garage.

Six houses have been evacuated as a precaution and nearby residents are being asked to stay indoors and keep their windows closed because of the smoke and fumes.

Fire fighters are exercising caution as they cannot be certain what chemicals may be at the scene.

A 200-metre cordon has been put in place around the area. However, as the situation is being brought under control Kent Fire and Rescue have reduced their initial response of 10 fire engines down to six, with a height vehicle and bulk water carrier also in attendance.

The estate is just to the east of the A20, London Road, a little north of the roundabout with the A227 and Pilgrims Way. The A20 has been temporarily closed to traffic in both directions.

The M20 east bound slip-road at Junction 2 is also closed.

Kent police are also on the scene.

The cause of the fire, which was discovered just before 6pm, is not yet known.

More follows.