KENT firefighters are currently trying to bring a fire in a 40-acre cornfield in Bean, near Dartford, under control.

The fire, in Shellbank Lane, broke out just before 3.30pm this afternoon (July 19).

Around 50 firefighters, including a number from neighbouring Bexley borough are tackling the blaze, using 10 fire appliances, including four from London Fire Brigade, and a water unit.

Due to the large area affected, Kent Police have lent Kent Fire and Rescue a helicopter to enable the incident commander to make a full assessment of the incident from the air and help direct the firefighting.

London Fire Brigade is also providing drinking water to crews tackling the fire.

There are no reports of any injuries and there is no threat to any surrounding property.

Operations are expected to be scaled down shortly, however crews are likely to remain on the scene for some considerable time, putting out hotspots and damping down the fire.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.