A PONY burned to death early this morning in what is thought to be the latest in a spate of arson attacks.

The fire erupted at a large farm building off Binney Road, Allhallows, on the Hoo Peninsula, just before 1.30am. Three horses were rescued by firefighters.

The Shetland-type pony was trapped inside. Strood sub-officer Trevor Delieu said: "Although we stopped the fire spreading and the three horses were saved the pony had been trapped in its stable and perished. The owners were obviously very distraught.'' Fire crews took three-quarters of an hour to stop the fire spreading to nearby stables. But it took more than three hours to put out the flames, which could be seen five miles away.

Police are investigating how this latest fire was started. Sub-officer Delieu said: "This is about the eighth in the last two to three weeks. We urge the rural community to be vigilant.

"We in the fire brigade are particularly concerned because it is a huge drain on our resources. During last night's fire the whole Hoo Peninsula was stripped of fire cover.''