Firefighters have sent out a warning after a garage was badly damaged by a tumble dryer fire this morning.

Two engines were called to Paddock Drive in Hoo, near Rochester, just after 8am.

Half of the building was destroyed, and it is believed the blaze was started by a tumble dryer.

Fire chiefs have now warned people to be careful when running the machines.

A spokesperson said: “We were called to a garage fire in Paddock Drive, Hoo, near Rochester.

“Two fire engines attended, and crews, wearing breathing apparatus, used a hose reel jet to extinguish the fire which destroyed approximately 50% of the garage.

“There were no reported injuries.

“The fire is believed to have started accidentally and has been linked to a tumble dryer.

“Following this, crews are reminding residents to regularly remove lint fluff from tumble dryers, and only to run white goods appliances when at home and awake.”