A 60-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson, after a fire ripped through the former base of the Canterbury Sea Cadets.

Two fire engines were called to the derelict site in Puckle Lane at 3.30pm on Saturday.

Crews spent an hour dousing the flames, which caused extensive damage to the building.

The fire was believed to have been started deliberately, and the suspect was arrested shortly afterwards. He is currently in police custody.

The hall in the quiet lane off Old Dover Road was home to the Canterbury Sea Cadets until they moved out last year.

Since they stopped using the site, it has been targeted by vandals and squatters, prompting residents to complain to the city council about its state.

The cadets are currently preparing to move into their new, purpose-built centre next to the River Stour in Vauxhall Road.