RESIDENTS have been left gutted after a landmark building was almost destroyed by a fire "too dangerous" for crews to tackle internally.

More than three-quarters of the former cinema in King Street, Gravesend, has been damaged beyond repair in an arson attack.

Firefighters tackled the fire for almost five hours on January 22.

They were called at 7.15pm but the building had been alight for "some time".

Extreme heat forced firefighters to retreat from the building 20 minutes after they arrived.

Water towers and portable equipment were used to douse the flames instead.

The fire began in the auditorium area of the disused cinema.

It then spread to voids in the ceiling, causing the roof of the building to collapse.

Many residents have expressed sadness at the loss of the building.

The building has not been used as a cinema since 2002.

Mother-of-two Claire Gould, 25, from Swanscombe, said: "I used to go to the cinema when I was young and it's devastating. It's such a shame."

Retired Dorothy Gardiner, 79, from Regents Court, Gravesend, said: "It's where we used to do our courting.

"During the Second World War you went in for a kiss and a cuddle. It's sad it's come to this end."

Charity shop worker Valerie Richie said: "To see a building like this destroyed is depressing."

Police closed King Street, Milton Street, and part of Queen Street so firefighters could tackle the blaze.

A small number of residents were evacuated from their homes in Queen Street.

Operations manager for north Kent division of Kent Fire & Rescue Graham Gosh said: "It was too dangerous to put people in to fight it internally.

"The fire went unnoticed as it's a big ceiling and it probably absorbed the heat and smoke. It was obvious it had been burning for some time."

Thames-side sub-officer Chris Peacock said: "It's the biggest fire in the centre of the town for years."

Investigating officer PC Nick Webber said: "We are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious at the back of the cinema prior to 7.15pm to contact the police."

Anyone with information should call PC Webber on 01474 565221.