UP TO 50 firefighters battled a major house fire in Gravesend started at 4.30am this morning.

Fire crews were called at 4.36am to a kitchen fire at a flat in The Poppies, Sun Lane.

Crews were on the scene within five minutes but the blaze spread to the roof with up to 50 firefighters required to fight it at one stage.

Eight engines attended and as of 9.20am five remained at the scene along with around 40 crew members.

Firefighters used eight sets of breathing apparatus, hose reel jets and a main jet from the platform of one engine to fight the fire defensively over fears the building may collapse.

One man was given a precautionary check for smoke inhalation at the scene but required no further treatment.

Kent Highways closed Sun Lane in both directions between Kitchener Avenue and Whitehill Road. 

Did you see what happened? Call the newsdesk on 01689 885703 or e-mail your pictures to tim.macfarlan@london.newsquest.co.uk