A bricklayer has been left devastated after tools from two work vans were stolen before being set alight.

Mat Sanders from Smarden, Ashford came back from a holiday in Spain to find the charred frames of his Renault Traffic and tipper truck, and about £5,000 worth of equipment stolen.

The blaze occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, July 14, in Headcorn Road.

The 29-year-old was in Malaga airport when he got a call about what had happened.

He said: “I was just in shock really, I believed it but it’s hard to wrap your head around when you haven’t seen it.”

Mat returned to his home later that night and said it “hit home what happened” when he saw the sight.

“It’s pretty devastating,” said the self-employed bricklayer.

Mat has had to push jobs back as a result and is working with his insurer to replace his possessions.

A police investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with any information should contact Kent Police quoting 46/116793/24.