DETECTIVES believe that a fire which destroyed four cars in a garage at a private house may have been started deliberately.

The large wooden garage in Sussex Road, Shepway, Maidstone, was well alight when firefighters arrived to tackle the blaze at about 2am last Friday.

The building, which stands away from the house, contained two £20,000 Volvo hearses used by the owner in the course of his work, one MG coupe and a 1938 Morris 6. The total damage is estimated at £60,000.

Firefighters began to suspect arson after examinations suggested that the fire had broken out in three different places. They also believe that some kind of flammable substance may have been used to start it.

Police spokeswoman Gianna Pollero said: "We're hoping that somebody may have seen something which may help our investigation. If, as seems likely, the blaze was started maliciously, we will be treating it as a very serious incident." Anyone with information should contact the area crime management unit on 01622 608189.