Crews raced to Knockholt yesterday following reports a fire was ripping through farm machinery.

Two engines arrived on the scene at Brasted Lane at 3.30pm to find a baling machine well alight.

Flames had spread to a field of cut corn which contained 15 bales of hay.

Two hose reel jets were used as officers tackled the blaze — which destroyed the machine, the five-acre field and a tonne of hay — in just over an hour.

No injuries were reported and police have been contacted for further information.