LIVES were put at risk and about £40,000 of damage caused when arsonists set fire to a newsagents.

The blaze at Forbuoys Newsagents in Deneholm Road, Northfleet, is thought to have started when someone pushed paper under the door and set it alight.

Upstairs, elderly residents slept as the fire raged in the shop below.

However, a swift response from the fire brigade meant all the flats occupants were evacuated and the fire controlled before it spread into the homes.

Manager Ken Hatch, who has run the shop for 30 years, said all of his stock in the shop had been destroyed.

Mr Hatch said: "I am really annoyed. Not because of the loss of stock but because they put people’s lives in danger without any thought to them."

Police appeal for anyone with information about the arson attack, at about 2am, on Thursday, March 23, to call 01474 565211 quoting reference 6868 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.