Derelict leisure centre fire - 50 homes evacuated

Kent Fire & Rescue Service spent much of last night tackling a blaze at a derelict leisure centre in Northfleet.

They were called to the building on Nelson Road at 6.40pm. Neighbouring residents were advised to close their windows and doors because of all the smoke in the area. About fifty homes in the immediate vicinity of the fire were evacuated with people being taken to the nearby Cignet Leisure Centre.

The police and ambulance crews were deployed to the incident. Kent Police said there were no reports of any injuries. Staff from the local authority and the Kent Resilience Team were also there to help the people who had to leave their homes.

The fire was brought under control by 9.30pm and crews remained at the site to damp down the scene.