FIREFIGHTERS battled with a blaze that tore through the roof of a derelict public house.

The fire broke out at the Kent and Essex in Old Road West, Gravesend, at about 8.30am on Saturday. A total of seven fire engines attended the scene at the height of the blaze, including a height vehicle.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "The roof was well alight when our crews were first there."

Old Road West and the neighbouring Darnley Road and Dashwood Road were closed as firefighters fought the flames.

Kent Police Insp Michelle Whitehead said: "It is not known at this stage if the cause of the fire is suspicious ignition."

A Gravesham Borough Council building surveyor was also at the scene liaising with structural engineers for safety checks on the building.