A man has been taken to hospital in a "potentially serious condition" after a fire ripped through an outbuilding.

Emergency services were called to Cuxton Road in Strood yesterday to reports of a blaze which crews believe was started deliberately.

Paramedics were sent to the scene at around 2pm and an air ambulance was also spotted landing in a park near Northcote Road.

A man was treated before being taken to Medway Maritime Hospital by road in a potentially serious condition.

At the height of the incident four fire engines were in attendance behind a row of shops.

Crews used a hose reel jet and compressed air foam to extinguish the flames.

It took two hours to bring the fire under control and lots of thick black smoke was reported in the area by residents.

Fire crews believe the blaze was started deliberately.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: "We was called to attend Knights Templar Way in Strood at around 2.10pm to assist emergency services following a report of a fire."