POLICE have arrested three teenagers on suspicion of arson following a serious fire on a building site early today.

The flames reduced timber frames for a block of flats in Whiting Crescent, Faversham, to a charred wreck and scaffolding was twisted by the intense heat. The blaze is thought to have started at about 5am. Nearby residents evacuated their homes.

A 16-year-old Faversham boy was arrested at around 8.10am this morning on suspicion of arson.

At 9.55am 12-year-old boy from Canterbury boy and a 14-year-old Faversham boy were also arrested in connection with the same incident. All three are in police custody.

A spokeswoman for the Kent Fire and Rescue Service said crews were at the scene for about three hours. No one was injured.

A police forensics team have been working at the site. A police spokesman confirmed the fire was started deliberately.