by Keyan Milanian and Jo Sword

Firefighters remained at the scene of a bungalow fire for more than 24 hours after a potentially explosive gas cylinder was found.

Three fire crews were called to the scene in Bower Lane, Eynsford, near Dartford, at around 2.15am Saturday.

Two pumps from Dartford, a retained crew from Swanley and a water unit from Larkfield were all at the scene at the height of the blaze.

The last crews were due to return to the station at 9.30am Sunday.

The building was almost totally destroyed, with only external walls still standing.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said an acetylene cylinder was discovered. The gas, which is used in welding, is highly explosive when heated so the cyclinder had to be cooled.

The property's owner is thought to have returned to find firefighters already tackling the blaze.

A pet dog was rescued from the bungalow. There were no other injuries and no surrounding property was damaged.

The spokesman added: "We cannot tell at this stage how the fire started."