Firefighters have issued a warning about using disposable barbecues after a blaze along a promenade.

Crews were called to Royal Harbour Approach in Ramsgate shortly after 8pm on Wednesday and found the smouldering item had been placed inside a bin along the seafront.

Pictures taken by onlooker Tina Brown show plumes of smoke and flames coming from a public waste bin along the seafront.

She said: “At first I thought it was a car, but as we got closer, we saw it was the bin.

“There was loads of smoke and it smelled awful - it just makes me cross how nothing is looked after.”

The fire service has since confirmed the blaze, which was put out about 30 minutes later, was in fact caused by a disposable barbecue.

A spokesperson said: “We were called to reports of a public waste bin alight on Royal Harbour Approach, Ramsgate.

“One fire engine attended and crews used hose reel jets to extinguish the flames.

“There are no reported injuries and the fire is believed to have been started by a used disposable barbecue.”

It says those using the one-day use only product should make sure they are fully cooled before being put in the bin away from buildings, fences and greenery.

The fire service also advises people to ensure they are also making sure they are watching the grills while cooking and that children and pets are advised to be kept away from the area they are in.