Emergency services descended on the River Thames after a fire broke out on a large vessel.

Ten fire engines were called to Northfleet, Gravesend, shortly before 3am today, following the blaze aboard the Sider Olympia ship.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) was joined by the Coastguard and London Fire Brigade to help put out the fire on the moored cargo vessel at the town’s waterfront.

A spokesperson said at the time: “We are responding to reports of a fire onboard a cargo ship in Crete Hall Road.

“Ten fire engines, a height vehicle and the water safety unit are in attendance, and crews are putting together a tactical plan to extinguish the flames.

“The Coastguard and London Fire Brigade are in attendance and the Volunteer Response Team are also on scene offering welfare support to crews and other partners.”

There are no reported injuries following the blaze.

The vessel is about 180 metres long and sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands - a group of islands between Hawaii and the Philippines.

The incident was declared over by 3.30pm.