Firefighters were called to deal with a large grass blaze following a suspected arson attack.

Crews from Medway and Rochester fire stations tackled the flames on the Coney Banks off Street End Road, Chatham at about 8.30pm last night.

They received several calls from people concerned about flames and smoke billowing from the area.

The fire had spread through 20 square metres of land.

Difficulties accessing the site meant teams used flex packs - lightweight, collapsible water backpacks that firefighters carry with them for use on outdoor fires - and beaters to douse the flames.

Crews managed to stop the flames spreading to nearby hedgerows and the fire was put out in half an hour.

They spent a further 20 minutes damping down, leaving the scene at about 9.40pm.

Anyone with information on people setting fires deliberately is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.