A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a spate of recent attacks in Swanley.

A total of six fires, believed to be linked, were reported in the Sycamore Drive area in the space of a week between June 22 and 29.

It prompted the police to launch an investigation into the suspicious activity which has seen bins and storage areas repeatedly set ablaze.

The latest attack happened in the early hours of the morning on June 29 when a skip and an electrical cupboard were targeted.

A man in his thirties has since been arrested on suspicion of arson.

Frightened residents spoke out following the ordeal which saw a shielding couple's car engulfed in flames.

Emma Mason, who lives round the corner from her vulnerable parents in Sycamore Drive, reported how mum Sally Cook's vehicle was destroyed following an initial attack.

She said: “I can’t speak for the other residents, only my mum and dad.

“Their car was burnt around 11pm on Monday, June 22, after someone had set light to the communal bins and an old sofa that had been dumped there."

Neighbours told Emma they had not seen anything suspicious but had just heard a “loud bang”.

Later that evening, a neighbour got in touch with mum Sally to say the bins had been set alight outside their home in nearby Hollytree Avenue.

A series of similar incidents took place over the coming days, prompting the West Kent Housing Association, which owns properties in the area, to write to worried residents.

The man arrested has currently been released on bail pending further enquiries until July 22.

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