A huge pile of recycling had to be dumped in the street after a bin lorry caught fire.

Binmen had to tip out the recycling in Sea View Gardens, Warden, after their lorry caught light at 9am today (Thursday).

Firefighters were called, with two engines attending, after bin crews poured the load into the street to stop the blaze from escalating.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said they believed the fire was “accidental” but the cause remains unknown. No injuries were reported.

However, when Swale council teams were sent to clear the rubbish they found a large number of contaminating items which meant the huge pile could not be recycled.

Items such as nappies, gas canisters, wood, batteries, electrical appliances, food, clothes, disposable vapes, aerosol cans and candles were all in the haul, which meant it had to be ditched.

A support crew was sent out to finish the rounds in Warden.

Swale council has asked residents to check the authority website if they are unsure of what can and cannot go in their blue bins.