An investigation has been launched after arsonists set fire to bales of a hay and cut corn in a field near Gravesend.

Firefighters found around 100 metres by 100 metres of corn field well alight, after they were called to Downs Road in Istead Rise, at 5.50pm yesterday.

Five fire engines and the KFRS Technical Rescue Unit were sent to the scene to tackle the fire, and crews used hose reel jets, flex-packs and beaters to extinguish the fire.

They also used drag rakes to pull apart the bales of hay to fully extinguish any hot spots, and were on the scene for just under an hour.

There were no reported injuries.

The cut corn and bales of hay were completely destroyed in the fire. The cause is thought to have been deliberate and an investigation has been launched.