Firefighters were called to Darent Valley Hospital this morning after an electrical cupboard caught alight.

The incident happened in a corridor in the hospital's day care units at 7.09am, with crews from both Dartford and Thameside fire stations on hand to tackle the blaze.

Four fire engines were sent to the hospital, with carbon dioxide and dry powder extinguisher used to put out the flames.

The hospital's ventilation system was also used to clear the corridor of smoke and crews were forced to wear breathing apparatus throughout.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the incident had been dealt with by 8.04am.

The hospital also issued a statement: "We can confirm there was a small fire confined to an electrical panel in our day care unit earlier this morning.

"The fire was quickly brought under control and the corridors were cleared of smoke. The fire affected the electrical supply to one of the day care theatres that was not in use at the time.

"No one was injured and for safety reasons, patients were moved away from the area. We hope to resume full day care services by this afternoon.”