Police and firefighters are investigating a blaze at a block of flats close to Ashford's McArthurGlen designer outlet.

Emergency services were called to Drummond Grove at about 4pm as thick black smoke was seen rising up towards the sky next to the popular discounted shopping centre.

The flats were evacuated as a precaution as firefighters tackled the blaze.

The fire is now believed to be out but police officers and firefighters remain at the scene.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said this evening the bin store had been destroyed in the blaze and a window as well as soffits and a facia had been damaged.

A police spokesman said: "No injuries are believed to have been reported."