THE A20 leading to Brands Hatch Circuit was closed for 12 hours at the weekend following the discovery of a cylinder during a fire at a West Kingsdown industrial estate.

The area was cordoned off and traffic diverted following a fire which affected parked cars and lorries at the Blue Chalet Industrial Estate off the A20 at 1am on Saturday morning.

One pump from Horton Kirby Retained Fire and 20 Kent Police officers were drafted in from across the county to help with the situation of public safety.

At the fire’s height, which is believed to have been deliberate, flames leapt up to about 10ft.

Eight cars were badly damaged along with the sides of buildings at the industrial estate.

The fire was put out within a hour.

The cordon was reduced at 12.55pm and the road was reopened at 1.45pm on Saturday.

The discovery of a cylinder, which contained gases that cause it to set a light on its own, means fire chiefs and police officials kept the A20 closed between Fawkham Road and Scratchers Lane while the material cooled.