Fire breaks out at abandoned nightclub

A fire has broken out at a derelict listed building which used to be a nightclub.

The blaze started at the Portlands building, also known as the Factory Club, in Northfleet High Street at 23:20 GMT on Sunday, according to Kent Fire & Rescue Service.

Another fire took place at the same site in 2022, the service said.

An investigation is under way into the cause of the fire, according to Kent Police.

A total of eight fire engines and a bulk water carrier attended and crews used main jets to extinguish the flames.

The High Street adjacent to the damaged building, along with part of Factory Road, were closed as a "safety measure", according to the fire service.

People were advised to avoid the area and to keep doors and windows closed because of the smoke.

The building is believed to have been empty and no casualties have been reported.

The fire broke out at 23:20 GMT on Sunday

The Factory Club is a listed building which was built as a recreational hall in 1878, according to Historic England.

It comprises a brick-built basement, double-height ground floor and attic with added classical decoration and slate roofs.

The end sections have "corners decorated with Corinthian pilasters and rise to French-chateau-type steep pitched roofs".