MORE than 25 firefighters were called to a fire at Warden Bay village hall on Sheppey last night in what is believed to be an act of vandalism.

The fire at the hall in Warden Bay Road destroyed the toilets, computer room and the kitchen.

Fire crews from Sheppey, Queenborough and Eastchurch spent two hours tackling the blaze. A height vehicle was also brought in from Medway to tackle the burning roof from above.

A spokesman for Sheppey fire station said the fire appeared to have started in a wooden rubbish compound on the side of the building. Smoke then spread up the side of the building and in to the eaves of the roof.

It was the third fire in recent weeks. Pat Sandle, chairman of Warden Bay Parish Council, said she was sickened by the blaze and hoped CCTV footage from the hall's camera system would help the police investigation.

She said three youths were seen at the hall at the time of the fire. "Apparently they were seen laughing and were standing there watching the fire," she added.