A magnifying glass effect is thought to have caused a blaze which destroyed a garden shed.

The sun’s bright rays had shone on a glass bottle lying inches from the structure in Faversham.

It caused smouldering during a hot, sunny day until it gradually built up into a full-blown fire last night.

Fire crews were called out to the incident at Lower Road at 10.40pm.

Faversham Fire Station crew manager Peter Yarwood said: “We suspect there was a magnifying glass effect. There is no other explanation.

“The shed was totally alight when we got there and it ended up completely destroyed. The occupants of the property had already gone to bed and had to be alerted by their neighbours.”

Two fire engines, from the Faversham and Teynham stations, were called out and the crews were at the scene for two-and-a-half hours.

Mr Yarwood added: “These sorts of freak incidents can happen so people should be aware on hot, bright days.

“One precaution would be not to leave mirrors or glass by their windows .” Nobody was hurt in the incident.