A discarded mattress and other rubbish were torched next to a property in Chatham, causing a road to be closed while firefighters tackled the blaze.

Crews from Rochester and Medway fire station were called to a home in Maidstone Road at about 7.30pm yesterday after the flames quickly spread to the home’s garage and front door.

Police were also called to help firefighters manage the traffic and closed the road while crews were extinguishing the flames.

No one was injured and later police said no one had been in the house at the time the blaze.

It is understood the fire was started deliberately and the area was taped-off by police for a while investigations begun.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said: “It is always a good idea to dispose of rubbish in the proper way and not leave it up the side of a property as it is a fire risk.”

A police spokesman confirmed the incident was being treated as arson.