POLICE are hunting arsonists after seven cars were torched in a 20 minute period in South Ashford.

Firefighters from Ashford and Charing were called out just after 2am today to the Brookfield Road area of the town.

According to the fire brigade, the arsonists appeared to toy with the emergency services, setting fire to another vehicle just as one blaze was under control.

Vehicles were targeted in Pollard Close, Allen Field and Brookfield Road. It is thought the offenders set five vehicles ablaze, which were all destroyed, but two more were damaged by the flames.

Ashford firefighter Garry McPhee said: "There were definitely accelerants used to get them to catch fire so quickly. As we were putting one out they were setting another one on fire."

FULL STORY IN NEXT THURSDAY'S KENTISH EXPRESS