Huge plumes of smoke are rising above Rochester as fire crews rush to tackle a blaze at a recycling centre. Kent Fire and Rescue said on social media site X: "Crews are currently responding to a fire at a recycling site in Clipper Close, #Rochester.

"People living or travelling near this area are being advised to close windows and doors due to smoke coming from the site." Footage shared on social media shows smoke billowing into the air, while pictures resident in Essex have posted images of the smoke from their side of the Thames.

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