ALMOST 50 firefighters last night fought a blaze at a large derelict brickworks at Pluckley, near Ashford.

The building, which was destroyed, was well alight when crews arrived just before 7pm. The cause of the blaze is being investigated but it is thought to be suspicious.

Dust masks had to be worn by officers, as there was possible risk from asbestos.

Leading the operations, assistant divisional officer Simon Oakley said: "The crews worked well to limit the damage but the building was derelict and a very well developed fire was apparent when they arrived.

"We were successful in stopping the fire to the building or origin."