Police investigating a serious blaze in Maidstone have arrested a 21-year-old man on suspicion of arson.

The fire in Week Street in the early hours of Monday gutted The Works book shop and seriously damaged four other stores.

Kent Police initially arrested a 22-year-old man from the town in the hours after the fire but released him without charge on Tuesday.

Today a suspect, also from Maidstone, was arrested and remains in custody.

Kent Police was called at 2.11am to a report the shop was on fire and that it had spread to adjoining properties, causing significant damage.

A section of Week Street remains closed for safety reasons.

Inquiries into the incident are ongoing and officers are continuing to appeal to members of the public for information.

They are also working to establish any potential links with five car fires in the Buckland Road and Somerfield Road area of the town earlier the same morning.

Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01732 379285. Alternatively call Kent Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.