Two men sought over fire at derelict nightclub

CCTV footage has been released of two men police want to talk to in connection with a fire at a derelict listed building which used to be a nightclub.

The blaze started at the Portlands building, also known as the Factory Club, in Northfleet High Street at 23:20 GMT on Sunday, according to Kent Fire & Rescue Service.

Kent Police launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.

The High Street adjacent to the damaged building, along with part of Factory Road, were closed as a "safety measure", according to the fire service.

A total of eight fire engines and a bulk water carrier attended and crews used main jets to extinguish the flames.

Another blaze took place at the same site in 2022, the fire service said.

Detectives said they would also like to speak to the owner of a car seen near the scene at the time.

Officers have been completing enquiries including door to door checks and reviewing CCTV from the area.

A specialist heritage survey has recommended that the chimney on the eastern side of the building should be reduced down to the level of the rest of the complex, Gravesham Borough Council has said.

This work is due to take place on Saturday.

The council revealed on Tuesday that debris from the fire contained asbestos, but the risks to health were "low".

The Factory Club is a listed building which was built as a recreational hall in 1878, according to Historic England.

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