Officers investigating a fire at a former school house in Maidstone are appealing for information.

The blaze, at the derelict building in Brewer Street, is believed to have started at some point between 1pm and 2.30pm on Saturday and is currently being treated as suspicious

Officers have been carrying out house-to-house enquiries and speaking to local businesses to establish the circumstances around the fire, and are also checking CCTV.

Maidstone district commander Ch Ins Mick Gardner said: "This was a fire believed to have been started deliberately in a built-up area of the town, with thousands of pounds’ worth of damage caused.

"Fortunately our partners at Kent Fire and Rescue Service were able to put the blaze out before it spread but the potential consequences of this incident could have been a lot more serious.

"I would urge anyone with information about who may be responsible – no matter how insignificant it may seem – to contact us urgently."

If you can help, call the appeal line on 01622 604100 or email west.division.media.appeals@kent.pnn.police.uk quoting reference YY/019335/15.

Alternatively call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.