Dozens of residents have been evacuated from their homes after a fire at a block of flats.

Some 42 properties have been affected by the incident in Crabble Hill, Dover, which remains shut this afternoon.

Firefighters were called to the incident shortly after 1am and flames could still be seen coming from the building this morning.

Emergency crews remain at the scene.

Twelve fire engines, two height vehicles and specialist crews from the technical rescue team have been involved in the operation.

The number of engines on site will be reduced “shortly”, a fire service update said at 4.30pm.

It added: “Firefighters are systematically working through the building to ensure all hotspots are fully dampened down.”

Residents inside the 42 flats located within the building - a former paper mill which also houses a gym, Co-op store and an escape room attraction - were evacuated in the early hours.

A fire service spokesperson confirmed all residents have been accounted for.

Two people have been assessed by paramedics for smoke inhalation but no further serious injuries have been reported.

Crabble Hill - a main route in and out of Dover - is sealed off by police from Buckland Bridge to Pioneer Road.

Bystanders watching from a public footpath hundreds of yards behind the flats could still see flames coming from the roof.

Arthur Martin, from Margate, was staying at a friend’s flat across the road.

He told KentOnline: “We saw flashing lights at about 1am. Then we looked out of the window and saw the fire brigade there and bins alight. They were very close to the building.

“It looked as if the flames took hold of the building as well. It was a very big fire.”

Ellie Gibbs said: “It is pretty heartbreaking that this has happened during the Easter holiday.”

Stephen Lane, of nearby Oswald Road in Dover, said: "I could see the fire brigade with high hose jets still putting out the flames on the roof. It is terrible."

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "I was woken up by the noise at 3am and have been kept awake since.

“I have never seen so many fire engines and police cars in one place before."

Another woman who lives nearby added: "I saw lots of smoke and lots of flashing lights from the emergency services. I don't know what happened but it looks terrible."

A GoFundMe appeal has been set up to raise money for those impacted by the fire.

Dover District Council is working with people affected by the blaze to support and provide emergency accommodation.

The cause is not yet known, but an investigation is taking place, a fire service spokesperson confirmed.

The KFRS Volunteer Response Team also attended, providing welfare support for the crew and assistance to displaced residents.