ARSONISTS petrol bombed more than 20 HGVs at a depot in Dartford, leaving an estimated £1.4m trail of destruction.

Firefighters from as far away as Larkfield had to be drafted in to fight the flames that engulfed tipper lorries at the Mark Luck yard in Rochester Way. At least 21 HGVs were damaged and four were completely destroyed. The depot's workshop also suffered fire damage.

Part-owner Ken Luck said the damage was "colossal" and added: "This was done by professionals. It is not the work of kids - they have petrol bombed the lot. We have never had any problems before and I have no idea why this has happened."

Det Sgt Conway Lapping, who is leading the police investigation, said the attack happened at around 8.30pm on Friday night. He confirmed it is being treated as arson.

He added: "I am appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious or has any information to contact the police as soon as possible."

Firefighters took around two hours to put out the fires. A spokesman said: "Someone took a lot of time and effort to do it at that time of night and not get caught."

Workers at the Mark Luck depot now face an uncertain future.

Anybody with information about the arson attacks is asked to contact police on 01474 565137 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.