An investigation into a spate of vehicle arsons has been shelved, two-and-a-half years after the firebug first struck.

In November 2007, the arsonist started their campaign of terror and targeted 25 vehicles – causing more than £60,000 of damage in an area of Sheerness.

Last October, the Times Guardian launched a campaign – Find the Sheerness Arsonist – in partnership with Kent Fire and Rescue Service, Kent Police and Swale council. Police took dozens of witness statements, and samples from the burnt vehicles were sent for forensic analysis.

Officers also carried out house-to-house inquiries and the area major inquiry team enlisted the help of a geographic profiler who analysed the areas where the fires were started. But police now say they have exhausted all lines of inquiry and are closing the investigation, pending any new information coming to light.

One of the arsonist’s victims, Kerry Brown, of Medway Road, Sheerness, accepted the police cannot carry on investigating if no new evidence comes to light.

Miss Brown’s Fiat Doblo van, which was specially modified with lifting equipment for her disabled son, was destroyed by the arsonist on April 2 last year.

The 29-year-old said: “It looks like the arsonist has got away with it, until he starts doing it again, which fingers crossed he won’t. If there’s no new fires there’s nothing to investigate. I’m sure the police did everything they could.”

DCI Nick Gossett said: “The last fire linked to the arsons happened back in September last year and since then we have exhausted all lines of inquiry.

“Our focus has always been to catch whoever is responsible for the fires and this remains the case, but we aren’t actively pursuing any new lines of inquiry.

“If someone does have information, I would urge them to call officers on 01795 419161.”