Police in Folkestone have arrested two teenage boys following a spate of deliberate fires that left seven wheelie bins destroyed across the town.

Between Wednesday 6 August and Tuesday 19 August, Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue Service were called to multiple arsons in Alder Road, Kingsnorth Gardens, Beech Close and Shorncliffe Road.

Each fire was extinguished without injuries, but officers treated the incidents as suspicious and launched a full arson investigation.

Arrests made

On Wednesday 20 August, just hours after the latest blaze, two 15-year-old boys from Folkestone were arrested on suspicion of arson. They have since been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.

Police statement

PC Cara Coleman-Mahon, of Kent Police, said:

“Setting fire to bins might seem minor to some, but it’s a reckless act that can quickly escalate and put lives and property at real risk. These arrests show that we take incidents like this seriously, and anyone who endangers our communities through reckless actions will be held accountable.”

Ongoing investigation

Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the fires and are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.

Anyone with further information is asked to call Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/xxxxxx/25, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.