A derelict house went up in flames in Bearsted overnight in suspicious circumstances.

Two fire crews were called to Ashford Road at 11.25pm yesterday, where the ground floor or a large detached home was alight.

Firefighters entered wearing breathing apparatus and used a hose reel jet to extinguish the blaze.

They left shortly before 12.30am. The fire is believed to have been started deliberately.

The site is currently awaiting planning permission to be demolished and rebuilt, and there are reports that children regularly break in to it.

The landowner has been notified and advised to re-secure the property.