By Imogen Howse

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with a devastating fire in which a much-loved busker was killed.

James Ronayne, 44, died shortly before 12.30am on Saturday, August 10, when a 23-bed house in mutiple occupation (HMO) in Faversham suddenly went up in flames.

The popular musician, also known as Punky Jim or Jimmy, had lived in his room on the building's top floor for the past four years.

All other occupants survived the blaze in Salters Lane opposite Faversham Town Football Club - but have had to move out.

Police say a 53-year-old has now been arrested on suspicion of causing arson and remains on bail until November 7.

Meanwhile, Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) has since said "the cause of the fire is believed to be linked to an e-scooter".

James’s family now want e-scooters to be banned in all residential settings.

The former pupil of the Chaucer School in Canterbury was well-known for busking across the county. He had hoped to swap performing on the streets for a full-time career in music.

One of his biggest supporters was his younger brother, Brandon. He said: "James was always happy, always up for a joke [and] was someone who saw the good in everyone - and who had time for everyone.

"Pretty much everyone in Faversham knew him - because of his busking but also because of who he was.

"He stood up for what he believed in and he went after what he wanted in life.

“He was an amazing soul. But now he has lost his life. It's devastating."

The 25-year-old insists e-scooters should now be banned from all residential settings in a bid to ensure no other lives are lost.

Describing them as a "ticking time bomb", he added: "Having one is not considerate to the other people living in the home. It put everyone's health - and lives - at risk.

"My family and I believe e-scooters and e-bikes should be banned from all residential homes.

"The way this house went up was unbelievable. It was smoking for days after and has been completely gutted - everything is a mess.

"He liked living there but had made comments over the years about it being a bit unsafe."

In total, 10 fire engines, a command support unit, height vehicle and a technical rescue team battled to put out the blaze.

The HMO’s other residents say it has resulted in them losing almost all of their possessions.

One of its former occupants is currently living in temporary emergency accommodation in nearby Sheerness.

Craig Parrott, 42, explained: "There are a group of six of us here - and others are in houses in Ashford and Maidstone.

"We've all lost everything we ever owned. Everything I had was in that building.

"Some things are replaceable of course - but the sentimental things, like the things my kids made, those are painful to lose."

The dad-of-two said he couldn't believe his eyes when he saw the fire.

He added: "Luckily, I had been out for the evening and when I first got near to the house I thought the fire was an absolutely massive bonfire.

"But then I saw it was our home, and, shock doesn't even put things into words. People outside were paralysed with disbelief."

Mr Parrott, who works as a quality control inspector, also wants action to be taken on e-scooters.

He said: "They're dangerous. All things with lithium batteries are.

"I just want to prevent anyone else from going through this because it has been a living hell.

"We're all still suffering with PTSD from the fire [and] not sleeping, or when we are, we're having nightmares.

"One of my friends wakes up in the night thinking he can hear people screaming for help."

Swale Borough Council has since confirmed residents have been placed in emergency accommodation.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: "Following the fire, we supported 16 people with their immediate housing needs and we are helping those affected secure permanent, sustainable, accommodation.

"Six people we had worked with in the past due to being homeless subsequently found themselves secure housing at Mill House."