Detectives are investigating an alleged arson at stables in Eastchurch.

The blaze at a farm building in Plough Road destroyed around 10 tonnes of hay this morning.

One fire crew each from the Sheppey and Eastchurch stations were called near to Connetts Farm at 1.25am.

They battled the flames using two hose reel jets until just after 3.10am.

It is believed the blaze was in stables being used to store hay and no animals are reported as being hurt.

Firefighters notified the police as it is thought the cause may have been deliberate.

A police spokesman said: "Inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances around the fire and whether this incident is linked to previous reported fires on the Isle of Sheppey."

A series of large scale fires at barns on Sheppey have taken place this summer, causing hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage.

A 36-year-old man was arrested in Queens Road, Minster, on August 22, on suspicion of arson in connection with the previous fires.

He was released on bail until November 24 pending further investigations.