Police are appealing for information after a much-loved beauty spot was devastated by arson for the second time in five weeks.

The blaze engulfed a pond-dipping platform at Hambrook Marshes in Canterbury, at about 3pm on March 19.

Fire crews were called to the scene and battled the flames for about 45 minutes.

Although the cause of the fire was initially unknown, police have today confirmed the incident is being treated as arson, and urge anyone with information to come forward.

Michael Walter, trustee of charity Love Hambrook Marshes, which runs the site, said: "The platform is totally destroyed."

Speaking the day after the fire, he said: "When I was leaving the marshes at about 1pm yesterday, I saw a small group of youngsters between 12 and 15 and one of them was carrying a small plastic petrol can.

"Subsequently we've heard from someone who walked past the platform between 2.30pm and 2.45pm, who saw a small group of young people on the platform."

The blaze took place about a month after arsonists burned down the majority of the marshes' boardwalk - which cost £65,000 when it was installed in 2011 - and scorched a 100m-long stretch of grassland.

Mr Walter said he and his fellow trustees think there is "no point" in fitting a new boardwalk as it could be damaged again.

"It had a feeling of inevitability about it after what happened with the main boardwalk being wrecked because there's absolutely nothing we can do to stop them coming in whenever they want," he continued.

Police would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of the fire, or who may have information about those involved.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/57593/20, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or using the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

A fundraising page was set up following the first fire to bankroll the removal of the charred remnants of the boardwalk and create a new route across the marshes.

To donate, click here.

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here.

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