POLICE are treating a fire in a block of homes from which two men had to be rescued as suspicious.

They also think bedsits within the premises were searched and a number of items, including a laptop and cash, were stolen prior to the blaze.

Witnesses are being urged to to come forward following the incident in Hayle Road, Maidstone, on New Year’s Day at around 5.15am.

Emergency services were called to the scene and the two rescued men were taken to Maidstone Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

One of them, a 21-year-old man, had been trapped in an upstairs flat and was calling for help from a first floor window. He was rescued after crews set up a ladder and led him to safety. The other man was rescued from inside the building.

Anyone who was in the area from 2am until the fire started is asked to come forward. They should contact Det Sgt Martin Foord on 01622 604243 or Kent Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555111.