Fire crews were called to the site of a former cinema after youths were reported setting rubbish alight.

At around 6.10pm one fire engine was seen outside the former Odeon theatre in St George’s Place, Canterbury.

Crew members entered the city-centre building and found a small fire that was quickly put out using hose reel jets.

They conducted a search alongside police but did not locate anyone. Fire confirmed their operations were complete by 7.13pm.

Police have been asked for more information.

The theatre – once the city’s primary cinema - closed during the pandemic and has remained so ever since, despite hopes it could be revived.

The site has since earmarked for 50 new homes.

The cinema first opened in 1933 but has recently been usurped by the arrival of a new multiplex – the Curzon Riverside.