An investigation continues today into how a blaze involving a lorry and a van on a farm in Maidstone was started last night.

Two fire engines were called to the scene in Sutton Road, Sutton Valence just before 8.30pm on Monday, as crews wearing breathing apparatus used a main jet, hose reel jet and foam to extinguish the blaze.

The fire, which was brought under control at around 10pm, is believed to have been started deliberately.

The fire in Langley

Landowner Peter Lampard was alerted to the flames when a friend burst into his house to warn him just after 9pm.

He said: "I had been sitting indoors keeping warm reading the paper, with my two dogs and a cat for company.

"I went up to have a shave and he came through the door and said 'there's a fire up the top'.

"I thought he meant out on the road, he said a lorry was on fire.

"I had heard the emergency vehicles go past but that's quite a common thing on this road so I didn't take a great deal of notice.

"I come out and there I am confronted with fire engines, lots of firemen running about and a big blaze.

"You immediately worry about it spreading to somewhere else but fortunately it was fairly away from anything vulnerable."

Mr Lampard said removal lorries were parked on the land, which he hired out to tenants.

The extent of the damage is not yet known.

A Kent Police spokesperson said: "We were called by Kent Fire and Rescue Service at 9.35pm on Monday, January 28 regarding a report that a van, lorry and a storage unit were on fire on private land near Sutton Road, Maidstone.

"Patrols and fire crews went to the scene where the fires were extinguished.

"Officers are treating the fires as suspicious are asking anyone with information that may help the investigation to call 01622 604100 quoting crime reference 46/18706/19.

"Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111."