POLICE are today investigating a fire that destroyed an empty bungalow in Upper Grosvenor Road in Tunbridge Wells.

Two crews from the town's fire station and a height vehicle were sent to the blaze which was reported shortly after 11pm last night.

At first, it was feared people were trapped inside, but six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus went in to search the property and found it unoccupied.

Leading firefighter Lee Abel said: "It was a very fierce fire and we were initially held back by the flames, which had taken hold in the living room and two bedrooms.

"The bungalow was of concrete construction and this holds the heat, making it difficult to approach."

Crews were on the scene for some two hours, but were unable to save the property which suffered at least 80 per cent damage.

Firefighters and forensic experts are looking into the cause of the fire.