What remained of the timber after the fire at the Queenborough site

A business owner said his firm is under threat after a suspected arson attack.

Firefighters spent more than two hours tackling the blaze on a Queenborough industrial estate last Tuesday evening.

Jason Rough now faces paying £2,500 for the three tonnes of timber being kept at the site, in Rushenden Road, for a few days before being shipped away.

The 43-year-old, of Invicta Road, Sheerness, was at a concert with his partner in London when he got a message to say the wood was on fire.

He said: "I got a taxi from Sittingbourne station to the site and arrived there at about half one and they were still putting the fire out.

"Luckily it didn't burn any other buildings. To go out for a good night and to come back to that was absolutely devastating. I'm still shaking with anger."

He was insured for damage to other property, but the actual timber was not - so he faces taking the hit himself.

Mr Rough, who owns Jayblast Surface Preparations, added: "It's crippling. My business is under threat now. It is a definite arson attack, no way it could have set alight any other way."

A total of 20 firefighters used four engines to extinguish the blaze.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it believes the fire was started deliberately and left the incident in the care of the police.

Mr Rough said he would give a £200 reward to anyone with information that leads to the conviction of those responsible for starting the fire. Phone Kent Police on 101 and quote reference number 16-1767.