A mystery blaze has destroyed a derelict building.

The abandoned two-storey house in Elm Lane in Minster, Sheppey, caught fire around 6am this morning (Tuesday, Feb 7).

At least four fire engines and a water carrier were present at the height of the blaze when flames could be seen from miles away.

The narrow country lane was closed to traffic for a number of hours between Scocles Road and Drake Avenue while fire crews battled the blaze and made the building safe.

Station manager Paul Nash from Ashford fire station said: "When crews arrived it was a fully developed fire on all floors. It had obviously been burning for some time.

"Because of the nature of the fire, and that there were no lives at risk, we took a defensive tactic and fought the fire from outside. We had a water supply from a hydrant around the corner but we also had a bulk water carrier attend to give us additional supplies."

People living in Drake Avenue were told to keep windows and doors closed as wind carried plumes of billowing smoke across to their homes but at 1pm KFRS gave them the all-clear.

Witness Sean Holden said: "The fire was still going strong around 7.50am but seemed to be under control." At 10am Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that three fire engines remained at the scene.

A spokesman said: "The fire is now out but some smoke is still coming from the incident. As a precaution, people living or working nearby are still advised to keep windows and doors closed."

A tractor with a boom from the KFRS's technical rescue unit was sent to the scene to take down two chimney stacks in case they toppled over into the road. UK Power Networks was also on site to disconnect the electricity supply.

The KFRS spokesman added: "No injuries have been reported. The cause is not yet known."

The building is near Elm Lane Equestrian Club which has a number of horses with activities planned for the school half-term holiday next week.