AN ARSON investigation is under way after a travellers' caravan was burnt to the ground.

Police and firefighters were called to the blaze in a field at New Ash Green, near Dartford.

Officers have not ruled out the possibility of a vigilante attack against the travellers.

It is claimed some of the travellers may have retaliated by damaging local residents' cars.

A convoy of around six caravans set up camp on the land early last week. The fire broke out just after midnight on the Wednesday.

A spokesman for Dartford Fire Brigade said: "We are not 100 per cent sure how the fire started but it has completely destroyed the caravan. Fortunately nobody was hurt."

Cllr Carol Clark, who represents New Ash Green on Sevenoaks District Council, said she had received complaints from residents while the travellers were there. "People were upset about the noise levels, particularly from generators running late at night. I was informed by our gipsy liaison officer that some of the travellers retaliated by damaging local cars, although I can't be sure of that."

The traveller camp had moved on by the end of Wednesday. Anybody with information about the fire is asked to contact the police on 01474 331055 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.