A teenager has been arrested after a former library was targeted in an alleged arson attack.

Five fire engines were called to the blaze in Sheerness, on Sheppey, at about 2.50pm on Saturday.

The inferno started in the ground floor of the old county library in Trinity Road.

Police have since arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with the incident.

A spokesman said: “Kent Police is investigating a suspicious fire which was reported to have happened at around 3pm on Saturday, July 29 inside a derelict building in Sheerness High Street.

“At around 10pm on the same day, a 16-year-old boy from Sittingbourne was arrested in connection with the incident.

“He has been released on bail until October 26 while further inquiries are carried out.”

A height vehicle also attended the scene with crews forced to wear breathing apparatus due to the amount of smoke.

They used hose reel jets to extinguish the flames, which were coming from old furniture and waste material.

Following a full search of the building it is believed the fire was started deliberately.

Crews left the building at 4.20pm after police had secured the site.