Police are investigating an alleged arson and theft after a suspicious van fire in Singleton Hill in the early hours of this morning.

Firefighters tackled the blaze in a Ford Transit flatbed van that had been abandoned in the middle of the road at around 2.30am.

Police said it has been reported that tools kept in the van were stolen before the vehicle was set alight.

Fire crews from Ashford and Tenterden spent 45 minutes extinguishing the flames using breathing apparatus and high pressure hose reels.

Andy Harris, crew manager at Ashford, said: "The team then called police because they believed it was suspicious as the van was just sat in the road."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference ZY/034662/15.