Propane and oxygen-filled cylinders had to be hosed down and cooled to prevent a potential explosion ripping through a range of Orpington garages after a fire.

London Fire Brigade was called to Mickleham Road yesterday at about 1pm. 

In all seven 19kg propane cannisters, two 13kg units and four smaller 3kg oxygen tanks had to be brought back to an "ambient temperature" and removed.

It happened after a single-storey garage, as well as an adjoining shed and fence, were damanged in a fire.

The fire brigade said two engines, one from Biggin Hill the other Bexley, were dispatched after they received the call at about 1pm. 

The fire was under control three hours later at 4.17 pm.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.