A STRIKING firefighter based at Dartford has had his house targeted by arsonists, it was revealed today.

Youths set fire to rubbish left outside his home in Bexleyheath at around midnight on Tuesday - before the firefighters began their 48-hour strike over pay.

The man, who has asked not to be named, was on a night shift at Dartford Fire Station in Watling Street at the time. His wife rang the station “in hysterics” and eventually pumps from Erith arrived to extinguish the blaze.

It is believed the home was targeted because Fire Brigades Union (FBU) pay claim posters were on display in the front window. The fire’s ferocity caused the windows to smash and left the front of the house damaged. Nobody was hurt in the incident.

Paul Osborne, FBU representaive for Dartford, said the attack had disgusted firefighters. He added: “People are entitled to their views and I appreciate that some will be opposed to the strike. This, however, solves nothing and is absolutely disgraceful.”

The firefighter involved said police had told him “it was just kids giving out some hassle” and that he had now taken down the FBU posters.

He added: “None of us want to be on strike but we have been forced into it. All we are asking for is decent pay in return for the decent service we provide to the public.”