Video: Blaze at MP Hugh
robertson's office in Lenham

There has been a fire at Mid Kent MP Hugh Robertson's
office.

Fire crews were called to an ironmonger's in Faversham Road,
Lenham, at 3.45am today. Mr Robertson's office is above the
store.

Six pumps in total attended, including crews
from Maidstone, Lenham, Marden, Sittingbourne and Faversham.
A height vehicle was used to reach the flames.

Some buildings were evacuated as a precaution but fire
crews said they were now scaling back the whole operation.

Mr Robertson ,
who was on ministerial duty in London, was unaware of the incident
until he was contacted by the Kent Messenger.

He said: “I’m obviously shocked. There is fire damage and
extensive smoke damage to the office.

“Until we know the full extent of the damage we don’t know how
long it will remain closed, but it could be weeks, even months. We
will do everything possible to keep services on offer to
constituents.

“If it’s going to be a long-term problem we’ll have to make
other arrangements. In the meantime, could I please ask
constituents to only contact the office in an emergency.”

• Did you see the fire? Let us know below.
• KM reader Joe Hyett took this photograph on the left. We welcome pictures from readers.
• Email them to messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk