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Police believe fire at Kent Wardrobes, Gravelly Bottom Road, Kingswood, was started deliberately

15:49, 23 September 2019

updated: 09:05, 24 September 2019

Detectives believe a blaze which tore through a workshop in Maidstone was started deliberately.

Four fire engines and a bulk water carrier were called to the Kent Wardrobes commercial building in Gravelly Bottom Road, Kingswood in the early hours of Saturday, September 14, before being joined at the scene by police.

The fire has destroyed the Kingswood workshop
The fire has destroyed the Kingswood workshop

Owner Craig Judge revealed his heartbreak last week after seeing his whole business burnt to the ground.

Police enquiries are ongoing more than a week after the incident, including forensic investigation and examination of CCTV in the area.

Investigators are appealing for information and, in particular, they would like to speak to anybody who saw a tipper lorry with a white cab accompanied by a dark saloon or estate car in the Kingswood area between 1am and 3am, prior to the fire.

DC Jerry Chapman, of Maidstone CID, said: "This arson has destroyed a local business and has had a significant impact on the owner, those employed at the premises and their families.

"I would ask anyone with information that may help the investigation to contact our appeal line including witnesses who saw anybody acting suspiciously in the area or drivers with dashcam who were in Kingswood, Chart Sutton, Ulcombe or Sutton Valence between 11pm on Friday, September 13 and 4am Saturday, September 14."

The workshop began burning in the early hours
The workshop began burning in the early hours

Anyone with information can call police on 01622 604 100, quoting crime reference 46/176907/19, or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111 or using the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

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