Three fires have torn through a garage block in the space of two days, prompting a police investigation into arson.

The first two fires in residential Elham Road, Wincheap, were reported to police on Sunday evening (Sept 2) by the fire service.

A third fire was reported shortly after 9pm yesterday.

Inspector Lee Thompson of Canterbury Community Safety Unit said: "We are treating the fires as arson and are appealing to anyone with information about them – or whose garage has been affected – to contact us."

He said officers have been carrying out house-to-house enquiries in the area.

"We are also asking residents to be vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour by phoning 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress," he added.

Shortly after 8pm on Sunday, a blaze destroyed one garage in a block of nine. Eyewitness Kevin Howland was at the scene, and took photos.

A fire service spokesman said: "Police were informed, due to suspicious circumstances.

"Fire crews used a main jet to extinguish the fire, and a thermal imaging camera to check it was all out.

"The two garages on either side suffered smoke and water damage."

Anyone with information about the fires is urged to phone police on 01843 222289 quoting reference ZY/52186/18. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111.