Investigators believe a popular seaside museum was targeted by arsonists after a fire broke out inside the building.

Crews were called to the blaze at Ramsgate's Maritime Museum in East Crosswall just after 4.50pm yesterday.

Four fire engines arrived at the scene, as crews battled the flames using a fog spike and hose reel jets, preventing further fire spread and reducing smoke damage.

A fire service spokesman said: "We have commended museum staff for having closed internal doors, which protected other sections of the building.

"There were no reported injuries and the fire is believed to have been started deliberately."

The blaze was extinguished just after 5.35pm.

Detectives have confirmed they are treating the fire as suspicious and have launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

They are urging anyone with information to call them on 01843 222289, quoting the reference number 23-0927, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.