A 17-year-old girl was arrested after a blaze "completely destroyed" two houses and forced more than 20 people to be evacuated from their homes.

Six fire engines were called to the scene in Barnfield, Herne Bay, just after 3.30pm yesterday afternoon.

The conflagration is believed to have started in a first-floor bedroom before spreading to the Greenhill home's roof.

Just before 3.50pm, police were called to the area where they arrested the teenager on suspicion of arson, they confirmed today.

She was later released pending further investigation.

DS Claire Munday said: "We are treating this fire as suspicious. Members of the public were in the area at the time and some are believed to have taken photographs as the fire started.

"Some of these photographs may contain information that could assist our investigation and I urge those who took them to contact us."

A spokesman for the British Red Cross said "two properties were completely destroyed and two adjoining properties were damaged" by the blaze.

As a result, six houses had to be evacuated and 35 people - 22 of whom lived in the affected homes - went to a rest centre set up by Herne and Broomfield Parish Council at St Peter's Church.

They were provided with emotional support, blankets, clothes, food and hot drinks.

As yet, it is unknown when the residents will be able to move back into their homes in Barnfield.

Yesterday evening, local authority spokesman, Rob Davies, confirmed two families had been placed into emergency accommodation and that others were being supported.

"Several homes are affected, some of which are council properties," he said.

"We have provided emergency temporary accommodation for two families and are helping others who may require our support.

"We believe we have spoken to anyone who may have been affected by this, but if there are any families involved who we have not yet made contact with, please call 01227 781879."

Matthews Road was sealed off by police yesterday afternoon.

Jan Tomlin, who lives opposite the affected houses, saw black smoke billowing into the sky when she returned home from a doctor's appointment yesterday afternoon.

"I saw it come out one of the windows as I was coming round the corner," the 59-year-old said.

"I was hoping everyone got out - which they had. They all were in shock."

A neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said he only noticed the house was on fire after he heard a series of loud bangs.

He said: "I was downstairs in my home and I asked my mate 'can you hear fireworks going off?' He said 'what, in daylight?'

"As I looked out I could see the fire, so I rang 999 and ran round the corner to the house. An ambulance and the fire brigade then turned up.

"Windows were bursting. It hit two roofs. The roof of the house next door to it is gone."

Anyone with information or photographs is asked to call the police on 01843 222 289, quoting the reference number 26-1038.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.