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© UnknownBlaze: The anonymous caller claimed responsibility for a fire at the office of sports minister Hugh Robertson
An anonymous arsonist has contacted Kent Police to claim responsibility for five major fires in Maidstone.

The first blaze took place at Lenham Ironmongers on October 28, which spread to the constituency office of Faversham and Mid Kent MP Hugh Robertson.

Boughton Monchelsea service station was set alight on December 29, followed by a bathroom studio in Chart Sutton on January 28, garages off Headcorn High Street on January 30, and a car garage in Ulcombe between January 29 and 30.



Supt Andrew Rabey said: "These are unusual circumstances and we're keeping an open mind as to the reason why the person has committed these offences and why someone has made contact in this way.

"We were already aware of the three fires which occurred in the last few days, but the information we received has prompted us to link the two others.

"I would like to appeal directly to the person who is responsible for these fires to call Kent Police or equally if anyone knows who might be responsible to get in touch.

"We're taking this investigation very seriously and our neighbourhood officers are on standby to talk to anyone who might have concerns.

"Clearly our main priority is to protect people's lives and their property, so any information that could help us catch the person carrying out these arsons is vital."

Anyone with information should call police on 01622 690690 or CrimeStoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.