A warning has been issued following a string wheelie bin fires.

Firefighters say arsonists have struck five times in the space of six days in Sittingbourne.

In one of the more serious incidents two bins placed under the window of a property in St Michael's Road were set alight on Saturday at around 9.30am.

As well as destroying the bins, the fire damaged the ground floor window and caused heat damage to an air conditioning unit and smoke damage to the internal structure of the building.

The same day, two hours later, a waste bin and wooden hoarding were damaged by fire in Bell Road.

Yesterday a waste bin was set also alight in St Michaels Road at the back of the bingo hall.

On August 21 two fire engines were called at 9.34pm to a large metal wheelie bin that was set alight at the back of a shop in Sittingbourne.

They used a high pressure hose reel to put the fire out.

On August 22 crews were also called to an industrial wheelie bin that was on fire in the High Street at 1.50am.

All the fires are believed to have been started deliberately.

Sittingbourne Watch Manager, Neil Ryder, said: “Fires can quickly get out of control, putting people’s lives and property at risk.

"Help us to keep your property safe by following our safety tips.

"Fires can quickly get out of control, putting people's lives and property at risk...put your wheelie bin out early on the morning of waste collection, rather than the night before" - watch manager Neil Ryder

"Put your wheelie bin out early on the morning of waste collection, rather than late at night the day before.

"Take your bin from the kerbside as soon as possible after collection.

"Help out your neighbour – bring their bin in for them if needed.

"Don’t overfill your bin - make sure the lid will close.

"Store your bin away from your house or property, but within the boundary of your property and ideally out of public sight.

"Avoid rubbish building up outside your property which can act as potential fuel for deliberate fire-setters."

Mr Ryder said businesses should make sure waste, packaging and rubbish is stored in metal bins with lids that can be secured shut and kept away from buildings if at all possible.

Anyone witnessing suspicious activity around bins, should report it to police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.