FIVE tonnes of fish have died in a fire at a fish rearing business in Standen Street at Iden Green, near Benenden.

Four fire crews were called to the blaze which engulfed the single-storey building and left part of the roof and interior severely damaged by smoke and water.

The fish, which had been in tanks at the rear of the building, died from the effects of heat and smoke.

The blaze broke out late on New Year's Eve. Members of the Kent Fire and Rescue crew were on the scene for just over four hours.