A police probe has been launched and a man has been arrested after a suspicious fire engulfed a block of horses’ stables.

The blaze is thought to have started among a large number of tall conifer trees in Worth near Deal yesterday before spreading to nearby outbuildings.

It started just after 6pm on Sunday but burnt into the early hours of today before it was extinguished.

A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson and taken into custody.

Officers are keen to trace a silver Vauxhall Astra which was seen in the area and may still be parked nearby.

At the time of the fire, neighbours were advised to close their doors and windows due to heavy smoke.

Two horses were rushed to safety in a nearby field after the shelter went up in flames, but no injuries were reported.

A police spokesman said: “Anyone with information, dashcam or CCTV footage from the A258 Deal Road, Coventon Lane or The Street in Worth between 4.30pm and 8.30pm on Sunday 29 October is urged to contact officers.

“You can call 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/193314/23, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete their online form.”

A fire service spokesman added: “Crews were called to reports of a large amount of tress alight in a field off The Street, in Worth, Deal.

“Four fire engines attended the scene and firefighters worked to extinguish the flames, which had spread to nearby stables and outbuildings.”