Police in Folkestone have launched an investigation after a suspected arson attack caused a gas leak in a block of flats.

It comes after firefighters were called to Brockman Road last night on Tuesday night at around 11.40pm to reports of a blaze in a meter room in a block of flats.

Officers say the fire took place in a wheelie bin near to a gas meter, and damage was caused to the property nearby in Brockman Road near to the junction with Cheriton Road.

Two fire engines attended the scene, while crews used a hose reel jet to extinguish the inferno.

A result of the fire, a gas leak occurred and representatives from the gas board were sent to the scene to resolve the issue.

There were no reported injuries.

Firefighters managed to put out the blaze by 1am.

Officers are currently treating the cause as suspicious.

They are appealing for witnesses to come forward who were in the area between 11.30pm on Tuesday, May 14 and 12.30am the following morning and saw something which might help enquiries.

To report any information that could help officers, call Kent Police on 01843 222289 and quote 15-0038.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone

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