Personal belongings stored in outbuildings next to flats in Borstal were destroyed in a fire last night.

Firefighters were called to Shorts Way at about 10.30am and spent about an hour tackling the blaze.

When they arrived some residents had fled their homes as thick smoke spread across the neighbourhood.

Crews from Rochester and Strood, wearing breathing apparatus, used a hose reel to contain the flames and stop it from spreading to the flats.

Strood crew member Gareth Wood said: "When we got there it was well alight and there was a lot of smoke."

He said the three communal concrete buildings are used for residents personal items.

Two of them were completely destroyed.

The cause of the fire is not yet known and is being investigated.

Police were in attendance and have been contacted for a comment.

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