Arsonists are thought to be responsible for setting two rubbish fires in an alleyway at the back of houses in Strood.

Firefighters were called out to deal with two fires which were started at different times in different locations in the alleway in Carnation Road at about 2am today.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called out to one fire which did spread to nearby fencing and after we had put that out and were on our way back to the station another had been started and we had to go back.”

“We suspect arson.”