SEVEN teengers were arrested by police following a suspicious fire at an empty cottage in a Kent town.

The blaze broke out at the property in Cemetery Lane, Kennington, Ashford, just before 8pm on Sunday.

The owner of the house, who did not want to be named, said: "My partner's parents lived in this house for 50 years, and now all those memories have gone.

"It's the small things, like photographs and mementoes, which are irreplaceable and now lost forever."

The seven local youths, aged between 15 and 17, have all been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01303 289180 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.