This is the shocking sight of a fire gripping a flat above a shop early this morning.

Now a man has been arrested on suspicion of arson.

The flames have engulfed the upper floor of the ABA Commercial Insurance building in Pelham Road South in Northfleet, Gravesend, near Perry Street.

Police say the road is closed in both directions.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "We were called at 5.30am to a fire above a shop in Pelham Road South.

"Officers and fire crews attended and the fire has now been put out. There were no reported injuries.

"A 51-year-old man from Gravesend was arrested on suspicion of arson and remains in custody."

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We responded to reports of a fire in a flat in Pelham Road at 05:36.

"Three fire engines attended and crews wearing breathing apparatus tackled the fire. The cause is being investigated."

Meherl Ali, 63, of Perry Street, said: "My son was leaving for work at around 5.30am this morning when he saw a very big flame.

"He knocked on the door where the fire was and a lady came out, she didn't have any injuries.

"It was a big one, and there was loads of smoke coming out.

"My son rang the fire brigade as soon as he saw it and they were quite quick to get here - about 10 to 15 minutes.

"They seemed to struggle with it, it was that bad. It's lucky no one was hurt.

"The police took much longer to arrive. It was about 40 minutes."

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend