A man has been arrested after a shop went up in flames, leaving part of it "completely gutted".

Rene Havill, who owns and runs interior design store Razzle n Dazzle, in West Street, Sittingbourne, woke up to the news her business was on fire in the early hours of yesterday.

A car parked nearby was also in flames. Two fire engines were sent to the scene.

Police believe the fires were started at about 4.45am and they are being treated as arson attacks.

A police spokesman said a 50-year-old man from Minster, Sheppey, has been arrested on suspicion of arson in relation to the fire at the shop and remains in custody.

Power to the street was cut off but had been restored by about 10am yesterday.

Rene, a mother-of-two, who has one grandchild, had recently expanded to premises next door.

'The old part of the shop is absolutely and completely gutted' - Rene Havill

She said: “It’s devastating. The old part of the shop is absolutely and completely gutted.

“I only opened the next door four weeks ago and I’ve been in the other side for two years.”

The first she knew of the fire was when police knocked on her door at 5am.

“The new part of the shop is fine, the old part is going to have to be completely rebuilt,” she added. “The glass is cracked and the door is damaged.

“I’ve worked so hard over the last couple of years.”

'I was shocked at how many people were online offering their support' - Mrs Havill

She praised the emergency services for their response.

“The police and everybody was so good. Sittingbourne came together for me. I think it’s because people know me and know how hard I’ve worked.

“My phone didn’t stop ringing. I was shocked at how many people were online offering their support and asking if there was anything they could do. They’ve really rallied around.”

Anyone with information should call police on 01795 419119 quoting reference 29-232.

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