Mark Tennyson-Smith died after setting his car on fire in Herne Bay

by Ed Targett

A troubled father burned himself alive – just days before he was due to answer bail on a rape allegation.

Mark Tennyson-Smith doused himself in petrol and died in flames in Alma Road, Herne Bay.

The 37-year-old – who was arrested before Christmas - drove to the quiet residential street last Thursday night.

He was understood to be devastated by his arrest and a recent failed relationship.

The horrifying incident stunned neighbours and has left his family distraught.

The factory worker, of Charles Street, Herne Bay, has been described by friends as cheeky, loyal and "full of banter".

His sister Nicola Tennyson-Smith, from Ramsgate, said: "He was lovely, loyal and cheeky. He loved his family and his friends.

"He used to come and see us often, phone regularly and pop down for a bite to eat. He loved his mum's cakes so whenever she was cooking he'd come down."

His close friend Chaska Iglesias, 33, of Tennyson Avenue, Canterbury, said tearfully: "We were really close. He would come and kip on the sofa.

"I'd talk to him nearly every day. My daughters loved him; we'd go fishing together. He was just lovely, full of banter – a big Millwall fan and a bit of a Jack-the-lad, but with a heart of gold.

"I love him with all my heart and can't find the words to describe what has happened. He told me a few weeks ago 'make the most of me while you can because I might not be around for very long', but I never even imagined this could happen."

Kent Police spokesman Adam Westgarth said: "Officers were called by the fire service to Alma Road, Herne Bay, at 6.30pm on Thursday to an incident in where a man died as a result of a fire.

"We are treating the death as unexplained and are working with the fire service to establish the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the incident."

Mark Tennyson-Smith's body was found in a car in Alma Road, Herne Bay

Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Jo Harfleet said: "We were called at 6.32pm to reports of a car on fire in Alma Road, Herne Bay.

"Two fire engines were sent and crews tackled the blaze.

"There has been one confirmed fatality. The cause of the incident is being investigated by the police and our fire investigation team."

Friends described Mark as increasingly troubled following his arrest. He had been due to answer bail last week. He is survived by a teenage son.