A 34-year-old homeless man has been remanded in custody charged with a string of arsons throughout Kent and Sussex.

Thomas Ashcroft appeared before Canterbury magistrates this morning accused of a series of fires and thefts - including those last week at the Medway Maritime Hospital and the Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

He faced three counts of arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and three counts of burglary.

Detective Inspector Lee Whitehead from Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the NHS for their assistance with the investigation and the preventative measures that were put in place to prevent harm before an arrest was made.

"Thankfully no-one was injured in these incidents."

Ashcroft has been remanded in custody until September 17, when he will appear before Canterbury Crown Court for a preliminary hearing.