Police are investigating an attempted burglary after a cricket storage hut on a recreation field burnt down in the early hours this morning.

The fire in Church Street, Boughton Monchelsea was reported at quarter past one.

Two fire engines attended and crews used a hose reel jet to extinguish the fire, which they were able to do by just after 2pm.

The flames also destroyed a lot of village fete equipment that was being stored inside the building.

Chairman of the Boughton Monchelsea village fete committee, Jen Cleaver said: "Marquees, wooden posts, signs, games, everything you need for the fair has been destroyed.

"We are a little bit worried but we have all of the stall holders booked so it will definitely go ahead.

"We need to scrub up what we can find now, at least we have some time to get it all together.

"The community have been fantastic and have pulled together so that the event can still go ahead."

The fete is due to take place on Saturday, June 29.

The cause of the blaze has not yet been confirmed.

Police spokesman Martin Very said: "Officers are investigating a report of an attempted burglary and fire damage to an outbuilding at Boughton Monchelsea village hall.

"It is understood the incidents happened in Church Street at around 1.15am on Tuesday 18 June, when Kent Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene to extinguished the fires.

"The cause of the fire is not confirmed at this stage and initial inquiries are under way."

Anyone with information can contact Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting reference 18-0224.

Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111.

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