Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with a huge straw fire which caused thousands of pounds of damage.

The 120-tonne stack fire in Botolphs Bridge Road, West Hythe, started on Tuesday evening and firefighters remained at the scene until yesterday.

The lost straw was estimated to be worth £10,000 and police are appealing for witnesses. Fire crews from Dymchurch, Hythe and New Romney were called to the fire at 5.30pm.

Dymchurch Watch Manager, Ian Meyers said: “It’s the largest stack fire I’ve been to in 25 years service. It was about 100 metres long by 15 metres wide and 15 metres high.”

The police closed the road from 6.14pm to 8.06pm.

The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway was advised not to use its track as the stack was under power cables.

Energy company EDF was called on Tuesday evening to inspect the cables and declared them safe before the road was reopened.

The incident was reduced to two pumps during Tuesday evening, with Lydd and Folkestone also making up as relief crews, New Romney were back on Wednesday morning and Dymchurch were told to stand by to return on Wednesday afternoon.

Contact South Kent Police on 01303 289180 with information. Alternatively call Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111.