A man arrested on suspicion of starting one of the largest fires Kent has ever seen will not be charged, it has emerged.

The huge blaze at a tyre storage unit in Canal Road, Gravesend, on Saturday, August 31, could be seen up to 40 miles away as plumes of thick, black smoke billowed into the air.

A 22-year-old man was working for T. Peters Roofing, next to the tyre firm, when a small bonfire in a metal drum got out of control.

The tyres were engulfed in flames for hours and the roofing company's premises was destroyed.

The man was arrested and bailed while police continued their investigations, but he has now been told no further action will be taken.

At the time, roofing company owner and father-of-four Terry Peters said he was devastated - but stood by the arrested man, who has not been identified.

Mr Peters, 47, said at the time: "I know it was a total accident. He does a bit of work for me and is completely gutted about what happened.

"He's a nice lad. I certainly won't be pressing any charges against him and I hope police don’t charge him with anything."

Around 85 firefighters tackled the blaze with crews from Thames-side, Dartford, Erith, Bexley and Sidcup stations called in to help.

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