People fled to safety after they were evacuated from a building where a mattress had been set ablaze and wedged up against a door.

Police are investigating the suspected arson at The Treadmill in Sheerness, which is thought to have been started by children.

Two fire engines attended on Tuesday (April 22) at around 5.13pm.

They found a mattress alight in an alleyway, and flames had spread to a wooden door frame.

The building in Railway Road is home to several businesses, including a fitness centre and martial arts academy.

Ian Bassett has been running his bespoke wood and timber company, Ian’s Staircases, out of the unit since 1987.

The 74-year-old received a phone call just before 6pm from someone who was at The Treadmill and had been evacuated from the building during the fire.

He said: “I rushed down there from my home in Thistle Hill as I thought the fire brigade would need someone to turn all the electricity off.

“I was told that children had dragged up a mattress and put it against the fire escape exit at the rear of the building and set it on fire.

“Luckily, the fire brigade was there quickly enough to put it out, but the door was completely burnt out.”

Crews extinguished the fire using a hose reel jet and ventilated the property to clear any remaining smoke.

They left the scene just after 5.53pm. There were no reported injuries and the blaze is believed to have been started deliberately.

Mr Bassett added: “There has been vandalism before, but never fires.

“Because the mattress was put by the door, it must have been an arson attempt and should be investigated.

“There were people in the building, so it is a massive safety risk.”

Another person who owns a business nearby, who did not wish to be named, claimed that people had been regularly fly-tipping in the area despite being just yards away from the household waste recycling centre.

They said: “It is a notorious place for dumping rubbish. It’s very irritating and has been happening for the last five years or so. I’ve reported it to the police and the council.”

“Nobody was injured and officers have contacted the victim, while inquiries are underway to identify those responsible.”

A spokesman from the force confirmed they are investigating a suspected arson at the building.

He said: “The incident happened at a business in Railway Road at around 5.15pm on Tuesday, April 22.

“Kent Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and extinguished a burning mattress that was leaning against the premises.

“Nobody was injured and officers have contacted the victim, while inquiries are underway to identify those responsible.”

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to call the appeal line on 01795 419119, quoting 46/67269/25.

Motorists with dashcams and residents with private CCTV are also asked to check for relevant footage.