More than 100 firefighters were called to an Isle of Sheppey farm early today after a barn containing dangerous chemicals went up in flames.

The blaze at Old Ridge Farm, Leysdown Road, Leysdown, led to nearby residents being told to close their windows and doors.

The alarm was raised at 2.44am with crews from Eastchurch and Sheppey first on the scene.

Quickly realising the scale of the fire, they called in crews from other parts of the county.

A 400-metre exclusion zone was set up after fears were raised that a store of ammonium nitrate, which is used in fertilizer, could explode.

An estimated 3,000 tonnes of bailed hay was also destroyed.

Crews planned to allow the fire to burn out under controlled conditions.

Kent Police closed Leysdown Road until mid-morning and residents were advised not to leave their homes.

Fire crews are expected to be at the scene for the duration of today.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

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