Emergency services tackled a massive fire that broke out at an industrial estate this afternoon.

Police said that the blaze started after an oil container caught alight in Transfesa Road, Paddock Wood at around 1pm.

A loud bang was heard in the area which shook windows and doors.

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Police joined crews from Kent Fire and Rescue Service and Transfesa Road was closed.

A police spokesman confirmed no one had been hurt.

Cllr Rodney Atkins of Paddock Wood Town Council was nearby when it happened. He said: "I was driving into Waitrose car park at the time. I didn't hear the bang as I had the radio on quite loudly in the car, but I saw a couple of Waitrose employees who had heard it come out of the store to see what had happened.

"They were concerned it was an accident on the railway line near to Waitrose.

"But instead we and some other residents saw the smoke on the opposite side near to the Bidfood building in Transfesa Road."

A fire service spokesman said the call had been to an industrial diesel tank alight.

"A number of calls came into 999 fire control after a loud bang could be heard and a large plume of dark smoke could be seen from some distance," they added.

"Crews have used foam from the fire engines and specialist foam unit to bring the fire under control."

The spokesman said the fire was out and crews had left by 5.20pm.

Eddie Andrews, who was working at The Station Garage on the estate said: "We were just about to lock up, as we were finishing at lunchtime. But then we just heard a large explosion and the whole building shook, the windows, the floor, everything. We ran outside and saw all the smoke.

"After the explosion, we drove by to see if there was anyone who needed help. We saw the roof of a lorry which had been blown off and a destroyed cab laying on the ground engulfed in flames. We saw a few dazed workers as thick smoke started to surround the area.

"There was another explosion that we heard too, which was much smaller, it sounded like a bit of a pop about 10 minutes after the first one."

John Sharp, from Boughton Monchelsea, said: "I live in Hubbard’s Lane near Cornwallis Academy. I heard a huge bang and a rumble and it made me jump. I didn’t have a clue what it was, until my sister mentioned it to me. I’m six miles away and heard it clearly."

Others heard the sound from places such as Teston, Marden and Barming.