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Photographs on social media show the roof and top floor of the Dirty Habit pub alight, with the extension arm of a height vehicle extended towards the upper windows.
Kent Fire & Rescue Service, who have been joined at the scene by officers from Kent Police, announced that a fire had broken out last night.
In a post on social media, Kent Fire & Rescue also revealed that “nearby residents have been evacuated”.
The brigade said: “We have 12 fire engines and a height vehicle at the scene of a fire at The Dirty Habit pub in Hollingbourne near Maidstone.
“Nearby residents have been evacuated.”
The pub in Upper Street is a historical building in the area as it is located on the Pilgrims Way and dates back to the 11th century.
It can trace its origins to being an inn which was used by monks who were on their way to Canterbury.
The Dirty Habit is now run by the gastro-pub chain Elite.
A witness told Kent Online: “It’s badly damaged and still burning but all the staff are safe.
“No one has been hurt. It’s such a shame as it is a historical building.”
The cause of the fire and confirmation from the emergency services about any injuries is yet to be announced.
However, the Dirty Habit is not the only pub in Kent which witnessed a fire tonight as the Chilton Tavern in Ramsgate was also ablaze.
Residents in the area reported hearing a loud explosion before the pub on the corner of Downs Road and Pegwell Road caught alight.
More to follow…
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