A road in Dartford was closed after a fire broke out in an empty building near the Priory Shopping Centre.

The A226 Lowfield Street in the town centre was shut from 5.30am this morning (Friday).

The blaze was between the A226 East Hill and Home Gardens junction and the A225 Instone Road.

Three fire engines were sent to the property and crews wearing breathing apparatus used hose reel jets to extinguish the fire before checking for any remaining hot spots.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Services said: "No injuries were reported. It’s believed the fire was started deliberately."

Fire crews were called to the area in August when a derelict building went up in flames.