POLICE are investigating a fire at a warehouse that had more than 60 firefighters battling flames for nine hours.

Fire crews were called to the blaze at a warehouse storing stationery and bathroom appliances in Denton Wharf, Mark Lane, Gravesend, at around 11.30pm last night (June 4).

A gas cylinder exploded inside the single-storey warehouse during the fire, which destroyed the building.

It was finally extinguished at 8.44am today.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) spokesman said: "Crews battled the fire throughout the course of this morning using a variety of equipment including jets and hydrants.

"The height vehicle was used as a water tower, pumping water from the nearby river over the top of the fire."

Firefighters also had to cool down the buildings on either side by spraying them with water to make sure the fire did not spread.

Wavecrest Ltd, a shipping company which owns the warehouse, said it was too early to calculate the cost of the damage.

Wavecrest shipping clerk Charlie Vint said: "The building is completely destroyed. Our company director was there watching when the roof collapsed."

KFRS and Kent Police have cordoned off the building as they search for evidence to determine the cause of the fire.

A fire service spokesman said: "Firefighters are now salvaging the remains of the blaze and are assisting investigators with the evidence gathering process."

They are treating the fire as suspicious - meaning they believe it could have been arson.

There were eight fire engines called to the scene, coming from stations in Dartford, Horton Kirby, Medway, Rainham, Swanscombe and Thames-side.