by Martin Jefferies

An elderly couple have had their bungalow burgled and set on fire by heartless thieves who struck just days after Christmas.

Police are searching for a gang of teenagers after the property in St Andrew's Close, Margate was broken into at around 9.30pm last night.

Thieves searched drawers and cabinets and went through jewellery boxes before starting a fire in the bedroom.

The fire, which is believed to have been lit in a cupboard, caused thousands and pounds worth of smoke and structural damage to the property.

The victims were staying with family at the time and no-one was injured in the blaze.

Kent Police carried out door to door inquiries in the area in an attempt to catch the people responsible. Scenes of crime investigators also attended the scene.

One witness spotted three boys, all of whom were aged between 15 and 16 years old, at the house minutes before the blaze broke out.

The first is described as white, skinny and around 5ft 5in tall. He was wearing a white scarf, a black padded jacket and dark tracksuit bottoms.

The other suspects are said to be white, of a medium build and around 5ft 10in tall. Both wore black hoodies, one of which had a grey squared pattern and a grey outer lining.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Kent Police on 01622 690690, quoting crime number EY/20566/10. Alternatively, call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.