A lorry carrying an MRI scanner and helium canisters caught fire after crashing near Maidstone last night.

The accident happened at 11.30pm on Thursday on Loose Road, near the Wheatsheaf pub.

Fire crews from Maidstone Fire Station, who attended the incident, said one of the lorry’s tyres had burst, causing the crash. No other vehicles were involved.

One resident said police had knocked on his door at just after midnight and asked the occupants to move to the back of the house as a precaution for around two hours.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed there was no threat from the helium canisters. The fire was put out before 1.30am and the road, which had been closed by police, was re-opened.

Police said there were no injuries.