Fire crews were called to a blaze at a former Debenhams store.

Onlookers could see flames coming from the building in Chatham High Street, at around 5.20pm this evening (Wednesday, September 17).

Seven fire engines and a height vehicle were sent to the scene, the fire service confirmed.

Crews used breathing apparatus and a high-pressure hose reel jet to deal with the flames. They were at the scene for an hour.

A spokesperson for the building’s present owners, Medway Council said: "A fire was spotted at the former Debenhams building in Chatham - we would like to thank those who reported it and KFRS who quickly got it under control.

“Enabling work has been ongoing at the building since March this year, which has included removing the roof.

“At the time of the incident, the roof was already 90% demolished, and we can confirm no damage was caused to the building as a result of the fire.

“We are continuing to work closely with our contractors to establish the cause, however, it is not currently being viewed as suspicious.

“In the meantime, we have added additional safety precautions to enhance site safety.”

The old Debenhams has been undergoing a £730,000 revamp after being left empty since January 2020.

Medway Council had bought the building for £2.2million three years ago using a grant from the government’s Future High Streets Fund.

In May, KentOnline reported that well-advanced talks could see part of a former department store converted into a specialist medical unit designed to take the pressure off a hospital.

As well as a possible health facility, the five-storey building is also earmarked for housing.

One eyewitness reported seeing people working on the roof earlier in the day.

A spokesperson for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the cause is believed to be accidental and is linked to “hot work repairs taking place at the site”.