Firefighters prevented a mass explosion after they put out a blaze in a hut containing 10 propane gas cylinders.

The blaze broke out at a disused scout hut last night and also spread to a nearby tree, shooting up 40ft high flames.

Fire crews were called to Blindgroom Lane, Shadoxhurst, at 6.45pm and rapidly fought the flames before an explosion could happen.

Crew manager Tim Hanley said; “The hut was well alight when we got there and we had been told by local people that there were propane cylinders.

“We tackled the fire on the hut as quickly as possible and then cooled the cylinders. Thankfully they are only dangerous when they are heated.”

The 10 by 10 metre hut was completely destroyed and half the large tree was also damaged.

The hut had been in the middle of a field and 400 metres from the nearest house so crews believed local people had not been in dangers.

Two fire engines and a water unit from Ashford fire station attended the incident and crews were at the scene for two hours.

Police have arrested a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of arson.