Police are investigating after a huge fire broke out at a car garage.

Eight fire engines, a bulk water carrier and a height vehicle were at the scene at the height of the blaze at the industrial complex in Alexandra Road, Margate.

Crews were called shortly on Saturday morning and used main jets to extinguish the blaze which had shut the road in both directions between the A254 Ramsgate Road and Helena Avenue.

Photos from the scene show thick plumes of smoke billowing into the air and over neighbouring homes.

The front of the unit, which adjoins an MOT centre, sustained serious damage and partially collapsed.

In an update today, a police spokesman said: “Officers attended to assist with a road closure following a report of a fire in Alexander Road, Margate at 5.10am on Saturday.

“Inquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire.”

The spokesman confirmed both police and the fire service are investigating.

Initially, the fire service urged people living or travelling near Alexandra Road to stay well away.

But later on Saturday afternoon, it announced the fire was out and crews were leaving the scene.

A spokesman says the service had used its latest recruit – a fire-fighting robot to help tackle the blaze.

The robot can record video, has thermal capabilities to check where the hotspots are, and uses audio to speak to people. It can give instructions and can even help remove people from areas with a stretcher.

It is also capable of helping to fight fires with a hose attachment that can spray up to 2,000 litres of water a minute.

And it can be controlled remotely from a safe distance – up to 600 metres away.

No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is not yet known.