Firefighters were called out to put out a large fire on an area of grass and undergrowth in Dartford yesterday afternoon.

The crew were called out to Cotton Lane at about 12.40pm where they found about 100 square metres of undergrowth alight.

Firefighters used hoses and flexi-packs and beaters to put out the blaze which completely destroyed the grassland.

It took the crew about 40 minutes to put out the flames.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the cause of the fire was unknown but were appealing to the public to report any suspicious attivies to help prevent such fires.

The spokesman added: “Firefighters are once again appealing to the public to please report any information about illegal fire setting activities and those responsible to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

“However they’re also reminding people, especially in this current dry period to avoid starting camp fires and bonfires in woodland and grass areas and to take extra care when disposing of cigarette ends to help prevent fires.

“If anyone spots a fire in the countryside, please report it as soon as possible, giving as much detail about the location as possible, so that it can be dealt with before it spreads.”