A FIRE at an empty house in the village of Farningham, near Dartford, is being treated as suspicious.

Horton Kirby and Swanley retained fire crews battled for more than an hour to put out the fire in the Dartford Road property on Monday morning.

It is believed the fire started between 3am and 6am. The property has been empty for about five months.

North Kent Police officers are appealing for witnesses following the blaze. PC Emma Ryan said: "If anyone saw anything suspious or saw people in the area, I would be pleased to hear from them."

The fire started on the ground floor and spread to the second floor.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Ryan on 01474 565167 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.