A blaze at a historic building is believed to have been started deliberately.

On Thursday night, 10 fire engines tackled the fire at the former Portlands Factory Club in the High Street, Northfleet.

By 8.45pm two engines remained with crews checking for and damping down any hotspots. A drone was also sent up to survey the area.

All checks were complete by 10.47pm, with earlier advice lifted for people living and working nearby to keep doors and windows closed.

Police officers were also called to the scene at around 3.35pm to assist fire crews.

People were being asked to avoid the area as a cordon and road closures were put in place which were later lifted.

There is no visible damage to the building from the street and no injuries were reported.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service has now said the blaze is believed to be suspicious although the exact cause is not yet known.

A spokesman added: "The incident was handed back into the care of the landowner."

An arson investigation has since been launched by police who are treating the blaze as suspicious.

Historian Christoph Bull was devastated to hear the news last week branding it a "disaster for the town of Northfleet."

The Portlands Factory Club was built in 1878 by Thomas Bevan.

Although it has been empty for 30 years Christoph said the property was once a hub for the area and used to have its own outdoor pool and a stage.

Scouts would use the building – at the junction with Factory Road – and it also hosted political meetings and theatrical performances.

Investigators are urging anyone with information to call the appeal line on 01474 366149, quoting reference 46/235482/22.