A series of deliberate fires across Margate last night (June 22) are being linked by detectives.
Officers are investigating nine suspected arson incidents which happened between 9pm and midnight. Over the three-hour period mattresses, rubbish and bins were intentionally ignited and both Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the police were called to investigate.
In one incident a gas pipe in Victoria Road was damaged causing a potential danger to those in the area. Another incident was the blaze at Fort Road Yard, putting several businesses and artist studios under threat of ruin.
Officers are currently reviewing CCTV and appealing for anyone with any information to come forward. In particular they are keen to speak with a white male described as being his 20s with short ginger hair and wearing a khaki jacket.
The incidents include:
A rubbish fire in the doorway of a building in High Street
A bin shed fire in Union Row
Garages ignited in Cobbs Place
A mattress burned in Byron Avenue, Booth Place and Alkali Row
A bin fire in Victoria Road and New Street
A rubbish fire in Addington Street
Kent Fire and Rescue has confirmed attendance. S spokesperson added: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a large rubbish fire on Alkali Row in Margate at around 9:58pm. Three fire engines were sent to the scene and crews used a main jet to extinguish the fire. The cause is believed to have been deliberate. .
“We attended a fire on Victoria Road at around 10:29pm on 22 June. Two fire engines were sent to the scene and crews arrived to find wheelie bins alight in an area outside of a domestic property. Firefighters used a hose reel jet to extinguish the fire. The cause is believed to have been deliberate.
“The service was also called to a mattress and plant pot on fire at around 10:55pm in Byron Avenue. One fire engine attended to put out the fire. The cause is believed to have been deliberate.”
Anyone with any information that may help police is asked to contact the witness appeal line on 01843 222289 quoting reference 22-1790. Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111.
