A fire that destroyed part of a corn field is thought to have been started on purpose.

Crews were sent in two fire engines after the suspected arson attack in Highsted Road in Rodmersham, near Sittingbourne, at about 3.20pm yesterday.

They spent half an hour tackling the flames, which damaged an area of about 10m x 10m of corn.

No one was hurt.

The blaze has prompted a warning about field fires, which the fire service says are more common in the summer months when the ground is dry, causing flames to spread more quickly.

A spokesman said: "Incidents like this can have a devastating impact, injuring or killing wildlife, destroying property and livelihoods, and even putting people's lives at risk."

To reduce the risk of a grass fire, the fire service advises when lighting a bonfire, keeping it to a manageable size, making sure it is clear of greenery and property and supervising it while it burns.

People are urged to avoid lighting a bonfire in windy weather, dispose of smoking materials responsibly and place disposable barbecues on a sturdy, non-flammable surface.

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne