A digger has been destroyed in a fire at a farm near Maidstone.

Firefighters were called after a blaze broke out off Babylon Lane, between Sutton Valence and Staplehurst, around 9am today.

Watch: Flames and smoke billow from the digger

A witness said they believed it was an electrical fault on the starter motor, adding: "It went up in no time at all, hydraulics exploded and the diesel tank ignited.

"The fire brigade were brilliant."

A fire service spokesman said: "Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a vehicle fire at around 8.58am.

"Two fire engines were sent to extinguish the fire and the vehicle was well alight on arrival.

"No casualties were reported and the cause is believed to be accidental due to an electrical fault."

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