Properties were evacuated as about 30 firefighters tackled a blaze in an industrial unit in Littlebourne, near Canterbury.

Six fire engines, a bulk water carrier and a height vehicle were sent to the site, off Court Hill, near Jubilee Road at about 8.30pm yesterday.

A 200-metre cordon was put in place as there were gas cylinders inside the building, which was reduced to a burned out shell.

At least three vehicles, including two vans and a lorry, were destroyed by the flames.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Crews fought hard to contain the blaze using a range of firefighting tactics, including ground monitors, hose reel jests and main jets, with compressed air foam, water from a hydrant and a nearby river.

"Attendance was reduced to three fire engines just after midnight and crews have continued to extinguish the remains of the fire, damping down and turning over remaining hotspots.

"There were no injuries. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined."

A police spokesman said officers were called to a commercial building fire at 8.50pm.

She added: "Residents in nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution. No injuries were reported and the fire is not believed to be suspicious."