An investigation has been launched into a “suspicious” fire which destroyed one car and damaged several others.

Fire crews were called to a blaze at the car park in Albert Street, Maidstone in the early hours of this morning after residents reported hearing loud crashes.

Two cars were found alight at the scene behind the Shell garage shortly before 4am.

Police also attended and found four cars had been damaged before fire crews managed to extinguish the blaze

Firefighters used hoses and breathing equipment to douse the flames. The fire was out by 4.16am.

There were no reported injuries, and the cause is being treated as suspicious.

Pictures from the scene this morning show the torched remains of one of the vehicles and officers at the scene conducting enquiries.

A spokesman for the force confirmed an investigation is now underway into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone with information is being asked to call 01622 604100 quoting reference number: 46/82822/23.