Fire crews fight blaze in Cherry Garden Lane, Folkestone, with thick smoke clouding over area

Fire crews are battling a blaze near a Premier Inn - with plumes of smoke visible from a neighbouring motorway. Engines and a support vehicle are on scene in Cherry Gardens Lane, Folkestone.

The fire near the Premier Inn in Folkestone, next to the M20

The fire near the Premier Inn in Folkestone, next to the M20

The fire near the Premier Inn in Folkestone, next to the M20Crews are on the scene of a fire near the Premier Inn in Folkestone, next to the M20

Crews are on the scene of a fire near the Premier Inn in Folkestone, next to the M20

Crews are on the scene of a fire near the Premier Inn in Folkestone, next to the M20

Footage shows thick smoke pouring from the building, which is thought to be abandoned and can be seen for miles. The site is directly next to the M20, with drivers warned it could briefly affect visibility.

A fire service spokesperson said: "Crews are advising people living, working or travelling near Cherry Garden Lane to please close windows and doors due to smoke coming from a derelict building

"Three fire engines and the height vehicle are currently in attendance, and crews are using main jets to extinguish the flames."