Fire crews tackle large blaze onboard cargo ship

Firefighters have been at Crete Hall Road in Gravesend overnight

Ten fire engines were at the scene of a large blaze onboard a cargo ship in north Kent.

Units from Kent Fire & Rescue Service (KFRS) had been working with the coastguard and London Fire Brigade at Crete Hall Road, Gravesend, after a fire was reported at about 03:00 BST.

KFRS said crews followed a "complex tactical plan" to extinguish the flames.

There were no reported injuries and the cause was not yet known, it said.

At the height of the incident, there were 10 fire engines, a height vehicle and a technical rescue unit in attendance, said the fire service.

A bulk water carrier, water safety unit and fire boats from London Fire Brigade were also in attendance along with the volunteer response team, which was offering welfare support to crews and other partners.

Mark Davidson, deputy assistant commissioner from London Fire Brigade, said: "London firefighters have been mobilised alongside crews from Kent Fire and Rescue Service to a ship fire near Gravesend.

"This includes deploying one of the brigade's fire boats from Lambeth River Station to the scene.

"Crews are also helping to provide fire cover in parts of Kent that border London whilst local crews respond to the ship fire."

He said the London brigade received a "request for assistance" at 03:12.