Homes were evacuated after a major fire erupted at a disused sports club completely destroying it overnight. 

The fire broke out in Nelson Road and six fire engines were rushed to the scene at about 6.30pm last night, Tuesday, August 22.

Kent Police said that the fire is being treated as suspicious. 

The fire was in a derelict leisure centre. Firefighters used main jets and compressed air foam systems to deal with the fire.

The derelict building backed onto the gardens of houses and residents in the vicinity were evacuated to a nearby leisure centre.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: "Two people suffered minor respiratory issues and one was taken to hospital as a precaution.

"Officers from Kent Police and the Kent Fire and Rescue Service are currently at the scene.

"The fire is being treated as suspicious."

The fire was under control by 9.30pm but fire crews remained at the scene until the early hours of the morning, checking for hotspots and damping down.

They also checked neighbouring properties, many with gardens backing onto the former leisure centre to ensure it was safe for residents to return.

Anyone who witnessed the fire or has information about how it started is asked to contact Kent Police on 01474 366149 quoting reference number 22-1214.