A BLAZE at a Kent nightspot is believed to be the work of arsonists.

Two fire crews were called to the Air and Breathe Nightclub in Essex Road, Dartford, at about 3.20am on Wednesday.

It is the second time in three months that the nightclub has been targeted by arsonists, and police officers are investigating similarities between the two attacks, although they are not yet linking them.

Firefighters from Dartford, Thames-side and Swanscombe arrived at the club to find the foyer engulfed in flames and smoke and called for back-up assistance from a height vehicle from Maidstone.

Jason O’Reilly, the temporary crew manager at Dartford Fire Station, said: "There was quite a lot of fire and smoke damage to the foyer but we managed to confine it to that area and it did not spread to the dance floor."

No one was in the building at the time and crews finished the mop-up operation at 5.30am.

Two men were spotted near the club from 3am-3.30am, possibly wearing crash helmets and dark clothing.

Police officers are reviewing CCTV footage from Air and Breathe Nightclub.

Det Con Andy Jobes, the officer leading the investigation, said: “This was quite a serious fire and I would urge anyone who saw these men or anyone acting suspiciously to contact the police immediately.”

In July, police confirmed that they were treating as arson a blaze that started outside the building’s fire doors, causing thousands of pounds of damage.

Anyone with information is asked to call Mr Jobes on 01322 283114 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.