THREE teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a blaze in Canterbury on Friday night.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to a building near the site of the former St Augustine's psychiatric hospital at around 6.30pm.

Firefighters battled the “substantial” blaze at Stanley House, in Chartham Downs, for more than 12 hours in total.

Four fire engines and a water officer attended the scene and the fire was brought under control by around 11pm.

Lucy Cleaver, 37, who lives in nearby Ainsley Way, said: "I came out of my flat at around 7.45pm and saw what looked like a low, fast-moving cloud.

"I realised it was thick smoke billowing out over the buildings. Then I heard loud bangs, explosions.

"I saw the smoke pouring up Magnolia Road. It was quite scary."

Crews remained at the scene until around 8.30am on Saturday securing the derelict building and neighbouring properties.

A spokesperson for Kent Police confirmed that three Canterbury teenagers, one aged 17 and two aged 14, were all in custody on Saturday morning.

They 14-year-olds were held in suspicion of arson and the 17-year-old on suspicion of arson and possession of cannabis.

All three were bailed to reappear at Canterbury police station on April 2.

The hospital was closed in 1993 and several buildings at the site have been demolished while many others have been redeveloped for residential use.