A building containing a plant room, sauna and swimming pool was badly damaged and 11 people were evacuated after a fire broke out at a gym in Kent.

Around 30 firefighters and six fire engines tackled the blaze at the LA Fitness gym at Sandy Lane, Orpington, on Wednesday 18 January. Firefighters were called to the scene at around 7.45am and the fire was under control just after 10.15am.

Two members of staff suffering from smoke inhalation were taken to hospital as a precaution.

Sally Cartwright, Sidcup fire station manager, who was at the scene, said:

“We got to the scene quickly and crews worked really hard to bring the fire under control. Our fire investigators will now be carrying out a thorough investigation to figure out how the blaze started.”