DETECTIVES are investigating after fire damaged a house in Athelstan Road at Cliftonville, near Margate.

A utility area of the property was burnt out and will have to be pulled down.

Firefighters were called to the premises at about 5pm on Bank Holiday Saturday.

Detectives now want to hear from anyone who may have seen people acting suspiciously in an alleyway behind the house.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact Det Sgt Claire Munday 01843 222060.