Iconic chimneys that shaped the Thames skyline just across the water from Gravesend and Northfleet came toppling down this morning in two explosions.

Booms could be heard across the river as the chimneys at Tilbury Power Station were brought crumbling down.

They were the two tallest structures in Essex but it took less than 10 seconds to bring the concrete chimneys to the ground.

The buildings have been part of the power station since it was built in 1969. This was the seventh explosion at the site as part of a redevelopment project.

A spokesman for RWE Generation South East said: "At 8.01am today and after 46 years of standing upright, two 170m chimneys at Tilbury Power Station were safely brought to the ground by controlled explosive demolition. The chimneys were built in 1969 and took only 10 seconds to come down. The demolition was managed by a specialist demolition contractor.

"The demolition did not impact local infrastructure and was delivered safely and according to plan. It will take approximately three weeks to process the debris from the demolition. The material will either be reused onsite or recycled locally.

"Further explosive demolitions will take place on the turbine hall later this year and we will inform the local community at least seven days in advance of any activity."

Commenters on social media lamented the loss of the chimneys.

One post in Gravesend and Dartford District News said: "Another bit of history bites the dust."