Additional reporting by Ellis Stephenson

Police are investigating after a blaze broke out in the Nelson Vue development in Rushenden in the early hours of this morning.

Four partially built new homes in First Avenue are thought to have been deliberately set alight, but firefighters were quickly on the scene to prevent the blaze spreading.

Scroll down to watch videos

Police were also called to the fire, which was reported to them at 3.42am.

Officers attended as a precaution but their help was not needed.

WATCH: Fire tears through new homes

They say the cause of the fire is believed to be suspicious but no suspects have been identified and enquiries are ongoing.

WATCH: Eye witness footage of the blaze

Kent Fire and Rescue Service say three fire engines attended and crews had the blaze under control by 5am.

Mark Shoebridge, who lives opposite the development, said: "We were in bed and we had the window open and I thought it was raining hard but it was the flames.

"I had to try to get out and move my car because it was so hot I was worried about the scaffolding falling.

"The police have been speaking to everyone up this road.

"According to the fire brigade they told us it could be arson.

"The house had the roof on and all the sides to it and all they had to do is put the bricks on, so it was just wrapped in what looked like silver foil."

The entire front of Mr Shoebridge's house will have to be replaced after firefighters sprayed the hot windows with cold water, which made them crack.

The 56-year-old, who returned from holiday last week, said: "I always knew I'd be able to get out.

"It just when the windows popped, that was the worst bit but they had to do it.

"I don't blame the site, they've been really good."

There were no reported injuries and the cause is not yet confirmed.

A spokesman for Keepmoat Homes said: "Following the fire at our Nelson View development, which destroyed two of the plots currently under construction, we are working closely with Police and the relevant authorities to help them with their enquiries.

"We have spoken to local residents both on and adjoining the development this morning informing them of the incident and dealing with any queries they have raised."

Kent Fire and Rescue Service crew manager, Andy Friday, said they had to spray neighbouring homes in water to prevent the blaze from spreading.

He said: "Because of the size of the fire we had to consider the surrounding buildings.

"Once we had the resources there we were able to deal with the fire.

"It's about stopping the spread of the fire.

"The location was quite easy to find because of the size of the fire."

Police are investigating the fire. Anyone with information should call the appeal line 01795 419119 quoting reference 22-0122.

The developer, Keepmoat Homes, later confirmed the properties had not yet been released for sale so they were not sold as off-plan homes.