Residents were evacuated as firefighters tackled a blaze at their block of flats, near a popular seafront ice cream parlour.

Three fire engines and a height vehicle were in attendance as crews worked to contain and extinguish the flames along the Victoria Parade, Broadstairs.

A fire service spokesperson said the fire started in a kitchen at a neighbouring property next to Morelli’s Gelato at about 4.40pm.

A staff member at the ice cream parlour told KentOnline they had evacuated the shop earlier, but were able to return to the premises at around 5pm.

They added: “We are safe and are back inside cleaning up for the day now.

“The fire brigade seemed to get it under control quite quickly.”

Crews stopped their operations at 6pm after using hose reel jets and main jets to extinguish the flames.

Residents were evacuated to safety while the incident was dealt with, and the road was also cordoned off.

People living, working or travelling near the seafront were being told to avoid the area, but this advice has since been lifted.

There were no reported injurie,s and the cause of the fire is not yet known.