Fire crews were called to Hernhill yesterday after a bin lorry caught fire.

The dramatic blaze broke out in the vehicle's cabin just after 9am yesterday during rubbish collections in Kemsdale Road.

A driver raised the alarm after hearing a 'loud bang' while inside the cabin.

Three fire engines used compressed air foam to bring the blaze under control.

It left the cabin of the lorry, belonging to waste management company Biffa, destroyed.

David Brownrigg, 71, of Corner House, Forstal was in his car with his wife Chris, also 71, when the explosion took place.

He said: "We were on our way out and about 50 yards away from us, it blew up. There was a loud bang heard around the area and a plume of black smoke.

"It blew the top off the fuel tank and the cab was completely burnt out.

"It was right between two houses, but fortunately they don't seem to be burnt or damaged."

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said: "We were called at 9.07am to Kemsdale Road in Hernhill, Faversham. The cab of a dust cart was 100% destroyed by fire.

"Because there was a vehicle that had fuel in it, we sent three fire engines, so that we could get to them as quickly as possible. They used compressed air foam to knock it back rapidly.

"We also used a thermal image camera, high pressure hose reel and fog spike.

"We reduced to one fire engine at 10am and left at 10.34am."

Biffa spokesman Fran Morrissy said: "Biffa can confirm that a fire occurred on August 7 in one of our refuse collection vehicles in Kemsdale Road, Hernhill.

"The vehicle has been recovered from the scene and an investigation into the cause of the fire is taking place.

"There were no reported injuries to any members of the public or Biffa employees, however some minor damage to shrubbery and nearby fencing was sustained and we are in communication with the resident concerned."

The lorry was removed by a salvage truck at around 2.15pm.

Kemsdale Road is closed and is due to be repaired by Friday.

Swale Borough Council have said that any missed bin collections from yesterday will take place today.