A man has appeared in court after a fire station was reportedly broken into while crews attended a call-out.

Five fire engines were sent to a blaze believed to have been set deliberately at the former Kemsley Arms, in Ridham Avenue, Kemsley at around 5.30pm on Sunday January 21.

While on call, bank cards and other personal belongings were reportedly stolen from the station in Sheerness.

A fire service spokesperson said: “A firefighter’s belongings were stolen from Sheppey fire station on Sunday, January 21 while the crew was responding to an incident.

“Kent Police has been informed.”

A couple of days prior on January 19, two houses reported having jewellery stolen in an attempted burglary in Joy Lane, Whitstable, between 10am and 2pm.

Police were also notified of a further break-in at a house in Augustin Road, Minster-On-Sea on January 22.

Darren Rogers, of Cavell Way, Sittingbourne, was later arrested.

The 45-year-old appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, January 24 and faced one charge of attempted burglary and two charges of burglary with intent to steal.

He was also charged with receiving stolen goods and fraud by false representation.

Rogers was remanded to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on February 21.