An arsonist is thought to be responsible for two fires just a few hundred yards apart in Gillingham.

A police investigation has been launched after firefighters were called to two blazes in 10 minutes in the early hours of this morning.

The first was in Barnsole Road at 1.20am, where a pile of rubbish had been set alight outside a shop.

A family in the flat above had to be evacuated because there was a danger the fire could spread.

But while the Kent Fire and Rescue Service crew was on the scene of the first incident, they got a second call about another blaze in the neighbouring street, Larkfield Avenue.

A large pile of rubbish had been set alight outside an empty property undergoing renovation.

The flames spread to the front of the house, smashing the bay window and swept through the property, causing substantial damage to the living room and bedroom above. Both houses either side had to be evacuated.

Watch manager Paul Nash said: "The first fire was dealt with relatively quickly and we were able to stop it from spreading to the building.

"We were on the scene of the second fire for almost two hours. A police investigation has been launched and fire investigation officers will be visiting both properties.

"We suspect it is the same person responsible for both fires.

"It is a warning to people not to store rubbish in their front garden for fear of people coming along and setting alight to it."