A homeless man has suffered burns after his tent was set on fire while he slept inside.

The victim, who is in his 40s, was asleep at Canterbury park Toddler's Cove at about 11pm on Sunday when an arsonist poured accelerant on the shelter, before setting it alight.

The rough sleeper suffered injuries to his hands, but did not require hospital treatment.

Det Sgt Claire Munday, of east Kent CID, said: "Fortunately the victim suffered only minor injuries, but it is only by luck that this did not cause more serious harm.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who was in or around the park at that time and saw anything that could help our investigation, or anyone who may have dashcam footage from the area at that time."

The manager of Canterbury homelessness charity Catching Lives, Terry Gore, says the victim has been provided with a new tent and items he lost in the blaze.

He is aware of similar incidents having taken place in the city, and stresses he has come across clients "who have been set fire to".

"The client in question's been in [to Catching Lives] today," Mr Gore added.

"He seems to be in reasonable fettle.

"Sadly, it does happen. And it's not the worst thing that can happen.

"I've come across clients who have been set fire to."

Police are urging anyone with information should call them on 01843 222289, quoting the reference number 46/102280/21, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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