Fire chiefs have warned arsonists who started a spate of wheelie bin fires have put lives in grave danger.

Nine incidents were reported across several streets in Minster on the Isle of Sheppey in the early hours of the morning with people including children and pensioners roused from their beds.

The first was reported just after 4.30am with fire crews leaving the scene of the last fire just after 6am.

One family were alerted when smoke drifted through an open window and triggered the fire alarm.

According to Kent Fire and Rescue, the addresses targeted and damage reported included:

• Salmon Crescent – the property suffered heat and smoke damage. Overhanging porch soffits and fascia boards melted along with guttering. Smoke damage was caused to the face of the home. The occupiers weren’t home at the time.
• Appleford Drive – heat and smoke damage included overhanging porch soffits and fascia boards melting along with guttering. Smoke damage was caused to the face of the home.
• Mills Close – one wheelie bin was set on fire on the pavement
• Minster Road – two wheelie bins were set on fire near houses and one wheelie bin was set on fire outside a hair salon. One home suffered damage to a bay window which smashed and melted. Occupants were woken by smoke entering the upstairs open window which activating their smoke alarm.
• Queenborough Road – Wheelie bins near two properties were set on fire; one property suffered heat and smoke damage to the outside, whilst the other escaped damage.

Sheppey Fire Station Watch Manager, Andy Bridger-Smart, said: “The lives of people sleeping in their beds, including children and pensioners at a number of properties in our community were put in grave danger. We are working with Kent Police as part of the joint investigation.

“Sheppey crews have been supporting people whose property was affected by carrying out Safe and Well visits in their homes and businesses to make sure they are safe, and firefighters have been helping to give reassurance by fitting new smoke alarms.”

Sgt Tom Mepstead from Kent Police said: ‘No one was hurt in any of the incidents; however I would like to reassure residents we are working hard to identify the person or individuals responsible.

"Our officers are conducting house to house enquiries and we will be reviewing and analysing any potential CCTV and forensic evidence. If you saw anything suspicious please don’t hesitate to contact us.’

The incidents come just seven weeks after firebugs started a spate of wheelie bin fires in Sittingbourne.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Kent Police appeals line on 01795 419119, quoting reference 14-0315.