FOUR people have appeared before magistrates charged with a number of arsons in the Sittingbourne area.

Christopher Middleton, 18, of Wickham Close, Newington, near Sittingbourne, Michael Boswell, 20, of Cavell Way, Sittingbourne, and David Hamson, 28, of Cecil Avenue, Sheerness, were remanded in custody and are due to appear before the court again on Friday (July 29).

Middleton is charged with six counts of arson, with nine more arson charges to be considered. Boswell is accused of six counts of arson, with another nine arson charges to be considered, and Hamson is charged with six counts of arson, with nine more arson charges to be considered.

A 16-year-old Sheerness girl was arrested and charged with six counts of arson, with seven more arson charges to be considered. She was released on conditional bail and is also due to appear before the court on Friday.