A mystery arsonist has targeted several businesses in a series of attacks.

Police are investigating a number of fires, including a blaze in October which destroyed Sports Minister Hugh Robertson's constituency office in Faversham Road, Lenham. The ironmonger's below was also destroyed.

Officers are linking that with several others which have been started in the past few weeks.

These include Murco petrol station at Boughton Monchelsea, Bathroom and Kitchen Ltd in Warmlake Business Estate, a garage behind Oldfield's Newsagent in Headcorn High Street and Wents Service Station in Ulcombe Hill.

Superintendent Andrew Rabey from Kent Police said: “We are working alongside our Major Crime Department to catch the person responsible for this series of fires and it’s crucial that anyone with information comes forward.

"These are unusual circumstances and we’re keeping an open mind as to the reason why the person has committed these offences and why someone has made contact in this way.

"Kent Police were already aware of three fires, which occurred, in the last few days but the information we have received has prompted us to link two others, which occurred at the end of last year making five fires in total."