A fire broke out inside an abandoned house in Ashford – closing a main road and sparking a large emergency response.

Fire crews have shut off Chart Road in both directions following the incident in the derelict Albert Villas.

Four fire engines and a height vehicle were at the scene, with residents saying they could see black smoke billowing up to 30 feet into the sky.

Crews were first called just after 3.30pm and left at about 7.45pm.

No casualties were reported and the cause is not yet known.

The buildings, which are close to Barrow Hill Veterinary Hospital, have been deteriorating for many years, with windows smashed and brickwork crumbling.

In recent months there have been repeated reports of people entering the semi-detached houses - and even of catapults being fired at passing cars from them.