Residents have been warned to keep doors and windows shut after the controlled burning of tyres created a large plume of smoke over Kings Hill.

Kent Fire and Rescue have confirmed five engines were sent to the scene in Canon Lane, in nearby Wateringbury, just before 4pm this afternoon.

Hundreds of people are thought to have reported the fire which could be seen in nearby villages.

A drone camera captured the spread of the smoke:

A large black plume of smoke can be seen over homes.

A local taxi driver reported a large number of people driving around the area in a panic.

No injuries have been reported and two fire engines remain at the scene.

Officers will be passing on details of the blaze to the Environment Agency.