RESIDENTS living near a derelict breakers yard in Folkestone were evacuated from their homes on Friday evening for fear gas cylinders would explode in a blaze.

The fire, at what was Bradstone Vehicle Services in Radnor Park Road, broke out at 6pm.

More than 20 firefighters from the nearby Folkestone station and Hythe were called and feared oxyacetylene welding equipment was still inside.

They moved 50 neighbours from Radnor Park Road and Pavilion Road away from the area. Police also closed the road as a precaution.

Fortunately the small rubbish fire was contained and people could return to their homes by 7.15pm.