AN OUTBUILDING and shed loaded with gas cylinders and petrol-driven machinery erupted in flames on Thursday.

The fire totally destroyed the two small buildings off the A20 Hythe Road at Smeeth, near Ashford.

One cylinder exploded but firefighters, who were called out at 12.50pm, were able to cool two others before they went off.

Machinery on the premises, such as lawnmowers, strimmers and cement mixers, also went up in flames.

Police closed the road as smoke began to drift out onto it but the buildings were unoccupied at the time and nobody was hurt.