Sadness has been expressed after a £5,000 bin was set on fire in a suspected arson attack at a Kent beauty spot.

An investigation has been launched by police after the suspicious blaze in the Lower Leas Coastal Park, in Folkestone.

The smart bin has been destroyed beyond repair and a replacement will not be available until the new year.

A spokesman for Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) hit out at the vandalism.

They said: “We often get requests for new bins in the district – sadly, we’ve currently got one fewer than usual due to vandalism in the Lower Leas Coastal Park.

“It’s an incredible shame one of our smart bins has had to be removed due to fire damage caused last week.

“A replacement will likely be installed in the new year.”

The bin is one of many smart bins in the district which are able to condense rubbish and use a sensor to send alerts via satellite when they need to be emptied.

In 2020, FHDC took radical action at the coastal park, banning barbeques after two were left lit, sparking separate fires.

A separate incident later that year also damaged a picnic bench, while another bonfire scorched a section of pavement.

Police are currently investigating the bin blaze, which happened on bonfire fire.

A spokesperson said: “We have been made aware of a suspicious bin fire in Radnor Cliff, Folkestone, believed to have started between 8pm and 10pm on Tuesday, November 5.

“Anyone with information is urged to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/190301/24.”