A LARGE plume of smoke continued to rise over the south bank of the Thames this morning (Monday, 26 May) following an overnight blaze in Gravesend.

And, at the end of the day, despite a constant presence by teams of firefighters, the site was still alight.

The incident is at a recycling site.

A picture of the fire at its height posted on social media.

The alarm was raised around 2am, when three fire crews were initially despatched and an update from Kent Fire and Rescue Service at 5.30am said six crews of firefighters were on scene at the site near Crete Hall Road, close to the south bank of the Thames.

The fire service has warned people affected by the smoke to close their windows and doors.

A further update at 8.05am from the fire service said: "Six fire engines still remain at the scene and crews are working hard to extinguish the fire."

And the message about the incident near the Northfleet Mill on Crete Hall Road was repeated at 11am.

Smoke rose from the site throughout the day

Update at 8:30 pm:

Crews continue to advise people living or travelling in Gravesend town centre to close their windows and doors.

This area is currently being affected by the large plume of smoke in Northfleet at the Crete Hall Road incident. 

Five fire engines and a command support unit are now in attendance, and crews, using mains jets are making steady progress to extinguish the flames.

Crews are expecting to remain in attendance to monitor the incident for the next 48 hours, updates will be provided.