The landlord of a house in Chatham damaged by fire said it's is the third time he has been targeted in two years.

Nick King had just finished renovating the property in Rochester Street when the arson attack happened on Saturday night.

It is thought to have been sparked by household rubbish being set alight in the side garden backing onto a road.

The heat shattered windows and the fire spread to the inside of the two-storey end-of-terrace house.

Mr King, 62, said: “It’s so frustrating. First my shed and then a van and now this. I will have to put in more security and CCTV, but what more can I do?”

He had just upgraded the house, having spent about £5,000 on new fittings, and was awaiting a tenant to move in.

When firefighters arrived at about 7.20pm the unoccupied property was well alight with flames leaping from the ground floor.

Crews from Rochester and Chatham wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels, a main jet and high pressure fan.

About one fifth of the ground floor was damaged by flames with less impact upstairs.

The incident was under control in about an hour.There were no reports of any injuries.

Neighbours from the house next door are thought to have raised the alarm and had got out before firefighters arrived.

Kent Fire and Rescue said the blaze was suspicious and have reported it to police.

Police have confirmed inquiries are ongoing.