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Riverside Active Lives Network fundraise after their minibuses are set alight

Local disability charity Riverside Active Lives Network have set up a fundraising page after two of their minibuses were stolen and set on fire.

Firefighters from Strood fire station attended the scene of the two burning minibuses in Gravesend in the early hours of Sunday morning, after they were reportedly stolen on Saturday.

The call came through to KFRS at 2.40am that two minibuses were alight in a farmer's field on Queen's Farm Road, Shorne, Gravesend.

Strood Fire and Rescue attended the scene around 2.40am. Picture: CJ West
Strood Fire and Rescue attended the scene around 2.40am. Picture: CJ West

Vince Durrant, of the Riverside Active Lives Network, said: "As a small independent user-led charity, the loss of our minibuses is devastating.

"People who attend our day centre worked tirelessly to raise funds so that we could purchase the minibuses and the theft and ultimate destruction of them, will leave personal scars with many individuals, which will undoubtedly take a great time to heal.

"We are fortunate to have our own counsellor and together with other staff members we are able to offer much needed emotional support at this difficult time."

One fire engine attended the blaze, which firemen used a hose reel to extinguish whilst aided by breathing apparatus.

The charity's minibuses were reportedly stolen on Saturday.
The charity's minibuses were reportedly stolen on Saturday.

One of the minibuses was missing its engine, and Kent Fire and Rescue referred the matter to police.

No injuries were reported, and Kent Police are currently making enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The charity use the minibuses to transport their members, who have sensory and physical disabilities, to activities around Kent.

Based at the Riverside Community Centre, Gravesend, the charity offers a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities.

You can donate to the Riverside Active Lines Network fundraising page here.

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