POLICE are appealing for information after a block of garages and several cars were destroyed in a major fire.

Several flats at Melville Court, Chatham, had to be evacuated as they filled up with thick, black smoke. About 40 people had to wait outside as firefighters tackled the intense blaze.

It is thought the fire was the work of arsonists. All the garages in the block below Melville Court were set on fire and at least five cars were destroyed.

Firefighters called to the burning garages quickly decided to evacuate all the flats on the lower floor. One young resident had to be helped by paramedics as she had an asthma attack.

Leading firefighter Tim Ryan, of Medway Fire Station, said: "It was an intensive fire to fight. We had four pumps at the scene and had to use breathing apparatus to enable us to get close enough to the flames to put them out.

"Every single one of the garages had been set alight and many cars were burning as well. We evacuated the lower floor as the thick black smoke was rising into vents and windows. We were on the scene for about two-and-a-half hours."

the fire started at about 10pm on Friday. A spokesman for Medway Police said: "We would appeal to anyone who saw anything to contact us on 01634 884252 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."