"Scumbag" looters have reportedly ransacked fire-ravaged properties on Canterbury's Tannery development.

According to social media users, thieves targeted the empty homes to plunder undamaged goods while owners are housed elsewhere.

Posting on the Canterbury Residents Group forum, Tracey Dobson wrote: "My neighbour returned there today to try and salvage some of their belongings before the rest of his home is demolished only to find that looters had ransacked his property and destroyed what was left of their personal belongings.

"I'm proud to live in Canterbury and have helped my neighbours but at the same time sickened to know that scumbags are benefiting from others' losses."

The block was devastated in the blaze which tore through the upper floors of the terrace on Creine Mill Lane North.

Miraculously no one was hurt but numerous householders have lost their homes and worldly possessions.

Police spokesman Sally Smith said: "Just because a property has been damaged and left vacant, doesn't mean gaining entry to it with the intent to steal is not a crime.

"It is burglary and will be treated as such.

"Anyone who thinks their property has been entered illegally should call police on 101 and it will be investigated."

Rachel Branson of the Town and Country Housing Group which owns the properties, said: "We are extremely shocked and saddened to hear of the incidents of theft from the properties.

"We are in close contact with those who are affected to support them while they are extremely distressed at an already trying time.

"The police have been made aware of these thefts and we continue to work hard with them to ensure swift and satisfactory resolution."

To make a donation to an appeal set up to help those affected by the fire visit https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/tanneryfireappeal.

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