Firefighters called to blaze at empty Hen and Chicks pub in Luton High Street, Chatham

Pictures have shown the aftermath of a blaze that tore through a former high street pub in the early hours.

Four fire engines attended the scene at the former Hen and Chicks in Luton High Street, Chatham, at around 6am.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the flames and left shortly before 9am.

There were no reported injuries and the cause is not yet known.

One witness, who lives in the area and saw the aftermath of the blaze, said lots of smoke damage was visible.

Photos obtained by KentOnline reveal the now-destroyed interior of the building.

Built as a farmhouse in 1702, the boozer was converted into an ale house in 1746 and was frequented by brickmakers and agricultural workers in the surrounding areas.

There was at one point a forge on the side of the building in the heart of the village in Luton Road which burnt down many years ago.

The pub became a centre for Luton’s community activities and was popular among locals.

But last orders were called in 2019, and the brewery tried unsuccessfully to find a new manager.

In May, plans were put forward to convert the building into 10 one-bed apartments.

However, the planning application appears to have since been withdrawn.

Medway Council has been approached for more information on when this happened.