More than 200 people have been evacuated from a seaside hotel after a fire broke out overnight.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said 26 fire engines were sent to the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone at about 01:06 BST.
In an update at 08:30, it said 10 fire engines remained at the scene “dampening down any remaining hotspots”.
The fire service said the blaze was believed to have started in the basement of the building, adding that the cause was not yet known. No fire-related injuries have been reported.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council has set up a welfare centre at the Three Hills Sports Park and nearby residents have been advised to avoid the area of the fire and close windows and doors.
“We are supporting all emergency services involved in the response and their efforts to get people to safety”, said the council.
A spokesperson for Britannia Hotels Group, which runs the Grand Burstin, said it was “taking immediate action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all guests and team members”.
“Emergency services are on site and we are fully cooperating with the authorities to support those affected and assist with the ongoing response”, it added.
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