A police officer was spat at as they investigated an arson attack on a flat in Canterbury.

Patrol cars, two fire engines, and at least four ambulances were sent to Hollowmede after the blaze broke out on the first floor of the property last Thursday.

Ansom Simms was arrested on the day of the incident and has since been charged with arson and assaulting an emergency worker.

The 40-year-old, of Hollowmede, appeared at Canterbury Magistrates’ Court on Friday and has been remanded in custody to appear at Canterbury Crown Court at a later date.

Fire crews had been called to the blaze at 3.40pm and extinguished the flames within two hours, with no serious injuries reported.

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