POLICE are searching for an arsonist responsible for a spate of fires across a Kent town centre early on Monday.

Four fires were started in various places in Gillingham and one, in an outbuilding at the back of a food store in the High Street, took almost two hours to put out.

The first fire was reported a few minutes after midnight.

Firefighters from across Medway were sent out to deal with the fires, the first of which had been started in a car in Rosebery Road.

Just minutes later, another emergency call alerted them to a fire in the outbuilding at the Co-op. The fire melted the contents of the building, thought to be plastic bread baskets.

Two other fires, one in a rubbish bin in Balmoral Gardens, and another in Duncan Road, were reported by two different calls from the public.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: "All the fires were started deliberately. Whoever set them was determined to cause as much destruction as possible.

A police and fire investigation has now been launched to find out who started the four fires.

The spokesman added: "This mindless sort of behaviour is a huge waste of our resources."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01634 891055 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.