TWO young people have been arrested on suspicion of arson after the destruction of Folkestone's former Dawson Road youth centre.

A 17-year-old youth and 12-year-old girl are being questioned by police following last Wednesday night's blaze.

Firefighters from Folkestone, Hythe, Canterbury and Dover were sent out at 10.30pm with the building well alight and nearby houses evacuated, one being damaged by the heat.

It was believed there was asbestos in the youth club roof. Assistant Divisional Officer Bob Winyard said: "During firefighting operations members of the public were kept back behind a safe cordon. A number of properties were evacuated but this was a precaution against fire spread rather than the risk of asbestos being a hazard.

"The smoke issuing from the fire dispersed across the open field to the side of the youth club. Firefighters involved in the incident wore dust masks in order to protect them from the potential threat."