A homeless man woke up to find his clothing had been set on fire as he slept in an Ashford doorway.

Darren Cole, 42, was sleeping in the entrance of a building in Elwick Road when he awoke to discover his clothing alight.

Now police are hunting two men seen running from the scene after Mr Cole, who was sleeping rough, suffered serious burns.

A friend of Mr Cole, who did not want to be named, said: "There's nothing lower than to do this to someone. There are some sick people out there.

"I've known him for years and he might be homeless, but if you needed a penny and he had it, he would give it to you.

"I believe in karma, and I think that whoever did this will get what they deserve. If anyone knows anything, they should come forward."

Mr Cole was asleep in the entrance of a building on Thursday, March 6, when he awoke to discover his clothing alight.

He did not tell police until Saturday when he was taken to East Grinstead hospital to be treated for burns to his leg, arm and face.

The victim said he saw two men who ran off when he woke up.

Anyone with information is asked to phone PC Kay Brown on 101, quoting crime reference ZY/7547/14, or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Stories you might have missed

Scores of jobs at risk under Manston Airport closure plans

Police fined £100k for 'damaging' security gaffe

My selfie with Prince Charles

Source of fowl pong revealed