ARSONISTS targeted a derelict pub for the second time in three months.

Fire crews were called to the Bull's Head Pub at the junction of Gun Lane and London Road in Strood following reports of a blaze in the basement.

It is thought vandals climbed into the empty building at 2.30am this morning and started a fire downstairs.

Firefighters wore breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze. A spokesman said: "It was quite a small fire but difficult to get to because it was in the basement.

"Only two pumps were needed; one from Strood and one from Medway fire stations."

The emergency crews stayed at the scene for 90 minutes. This arson attack comes a few months after vandals set light to the pub.