Three fire crews from Deal and Sandwich battled flames after three cars were deliberately set alight on Saturday morning in Park Avenue, Deal.

The incidents are being investigated by Kent Police and the community of residents and business owners are in shock.

Deal Fire Station Crew manager Danny Yates said: "They were privately owned cars. One was at the Mill Road end of Park Avenue, another was in the middle of the road and the third one was at the London Road end."

Kent Fire and Rescue Service received the call at about 3.30am on Saturday morning and one appliance was sent.

"It was a mad dash to keep water over all three until the other crews arrived" Crew manager Danny Yates, Deal Fire Station

But when they arrived they saw three vehicles alight and called for more crews.

"It was a mad dash to keep water over all three until the other crews arrived," he said.

Natalie Wall's mother and father were woken by firemen at 3.30 and told their car was alight.

She said: "It's so evil.

"They have their grandchildren a lot and had car seats in there so the culprits would have known it was a family car,"

Richard Allen of Kent Police confirmed officers are investigating.

If you have information, please call Kent Police by dialing 101.