A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after flames engulfed the upper floor of a shop building.

The fire ravaged the ABA Commercial Insurance building in Pelham Road South in Northfleet, Gravesend, near Perry Street.

The road was closed in both directions while crews dealt with the fire, but has since reopened.

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."

Kent Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for further details.

The scene after the fire

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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