A MASSIVE blaze has ripped though a vast area of Dartford Heath. It is thought arsonists may have been responsible.

Firefighters from all over Kent battled the blaze in shifts for more than 12 hours in an attempt to stop the flames reaching nearby houses.

The fire began at around 4.30pm yesterday afternoon and smoke could be smelt several miles away.

Leading firefighter Kevin Church, of Thameside Fire Brigade, said: "We came on duty at 6pm and we were here until 10pm when we got relieved and we've been back here since 5am this morning."

Mr Church said the flames reached 20ft in the air and wind made it more difficult to control the blaze.

Frightened neighbours in Heath Lane told how they had to keep their windows shut all afternoon to keep the thick smoke out.

One witness said: "Heavy smoke filled the street - it was like a thick fog and at one point you couldn't even see the sun."

He added: "There's nothing there any more - plants and bushes that have taken up to 50 years to grow have been wiped out. It was very frightening."

Dartford Golf Club's clubhouse had to be evacuated as the flames threatened the building. Fortunately only one person was in the clubhouse at the time.

Firefighters suspect the cause of the fire could be arson. Mr Church added: "We are guessing it's deliberate ignition possibly by children."