Community projects were put at risk at the weekend after an arsonist struck at a probation centre.

Three minibuses were torched at Kent Surrey and Sussex Community Rehabilitation Company’s (CRC) headquarters.

The vehicles are used to ferry offenders from the hub at Joynes House, New Road, Gravesend, to various community payback projects in the area.

Assistant chief probation officer, Emma Vecchiolla, said: “During Sunday evening three of the minibuses we use to transport people to community payback projects were set alight at our probation.

“This reckless act at the heart of our community put people and property at risk, as well as our ongoing support for many valuable community projects in the area.

“Fortunately our contingency plans have kicked in and community payback groups from Gravesend are running as normal.

"Offenders scheduled to work in the coming days should report for work as they usually would.

“We are working with police to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Fire crews were called to Joynes House’s car park, off St James’ Road, at 6.45pm on Sunday, spending half an hour at the scene.

In total 28,933 hours of service to the community was delivered by individuals on community payback programme in the area last year, worth at least £216,998 in labour.

In total the CRC supervises more than 9,000 low and medium risk offenders.

The project has recently undertaken work at Swanley Park’s children’s play areas.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or contact the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.