by Angela Cole

acole@thekmgroup.co.uk

Extra security measures have been brought in at hospitals in Maidstone and Pembury after two fires at hospitals elsewhere in the county.

Officers are linking two fires which broke out at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital and Medway Maritime Hospital on Wednesday and yesterday (Thursday).

Ron Faulds, NHS local security specialist for the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, which runs Maidstone Hospital and the Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury said security had been stepped up as a result.

“We are aware of the incidents which have occurred at other hospitals in the county and, as a result, we have communicated with our staff to ensure they step up security measures within our hospitals where possible, and report anything suspicious immediately,” he said.

Yesterday's fire at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital occurred shortly before 3pm. Police are also investigating a report of theft from the hospital restaurant whilst the fire was being dealt with.

The offence is being linked with a fire that was reported at Medway Maritime Hospital on Wednesday.

No-one was reported to have been injured in either of the fires.

Chief Insp Iain Mackenzie from Kent Police said: “Following our initial assessment we are satisfied that the two fires are connected. An investigation team is following up a number of lines of enquiry."

Police and fire services are working together on the investigation. If you can help call police on 101, or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.