Police are on the hunt for a suspect wearing 'distinctive trainers' following a suspected arson in a residential area.

A fire broke out in the communal area of a property in Harold Mews, Cliftonville, on New Year's Day.

The fire service managed to extinguish the blaze off Harold Road and no injuries were reported.

Police, who were called at 6.40am, are treating the incident as suspicious and are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The force is searching for a suspect who was wearing grey trousers, a dark hooded top, a white and black rucksack and distinctive white and black trainers.

They were seen in Harold Road walking to Harold Mews at about 6.20am of that morning.

Investigating officers particularly want to trace a man who is believed to have spoken to the suspect in Harold Mews at that time.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/292/21.

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet