This is the moment a blaze broke out at a historic pub in a suspected arson attack.

CCTV footage released today shows a man apparently smashing a window of the former Black Lion pub in Gillingham.

He is later seen peering into the disused Mill Road pub - seconds before it was engulfed by flames.

Kent Police detectives are now hunting the suspected firebug and appealing for anyone who recognises him to come forward.

Cameras captured the man as he appeared to break a window at the pub at about 11.40pm on Friday, June 7.

Over the next hour, he is seen walking past the building several times before moments before the blaze took hold.

DC Jason Lynch, from Kent Police, said: "We believe this fire was started deliberately.

"It was in the middle of a residential area and could have endangered the lives of people living nearby."

Firefighters were called to the former pub at around 12.45am on Saturday, June 8 and found a large fire on the ground floor of the four-storey building.

Support was called in from Maidstone and a total of 15 firefighters spent more than an hour-and-a-half putting out the blaze. No one was hurt.

The historic pub closed in March this year and was bought by property developer Bailey Partners, which is run by three brothers.

Video: CCTV of the arsonist at the Gillingham pub

The pub, which dates back to 1766, was originally about a quarter of a mile west.

It was moved to Mill Lane, then known as Fox Lane, in 1789 when the Chatham Lines expanded.

It was later known as the Black Lion Hotel, and was rebuilt in 1896.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to phone police on 01634 792452, quoting XY/17509/13, or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.