The haystacks that were set fire to yesterday in a field near Maidstone have "burnt down considerably", but as of this morning were still smouldering.

A spokesperson for Kent Fire and Rescue service said that the fires are believed to have been started deliberately.

"The duty of care for one of the haystacks was handed over to the farmer at 9am today and at that point it was still smouldering, but considerably burnt down – left to burn out under controlled conditions.

The other haystack was handed into the duty of care of the landowner at 5.20pm yesterday, at which point it had burnt down considerably but still smouldering - left to burn out under controlled conditions.

Two fire engines attended each site in Woodside Green, Lenham, just after 2pm yesterday, as hose reel jets were used to dampen down.