by Chris Hunter
chunter@thekmgroup.co.uk

An 88-year-old woman had to be rescued by neighbours after a suspected arson attack on her bungalow.

The fire broke out last week, but police have confirmed it is being treated as arson.

Residents in Woodlands Road, Ditton, were woken shortly before 2.30am by the sound of the blaze and raced to the burning bungalow to wake the occupant – a pensioner, who did not realise the building was on fire.

She escaped uninjured and was staying with family this week as forensic officers and fire officers investigated the blaze, which is being treated as suspicious.

It is though the fire could have started in a shed or fence next to the house and spread to the roof of the bungalow before firefighters arrived and got it under control.

Teresa Lyall, who lives opposite and was first on the scene, said: “I heard this crackling noise, and looked out. I saw the roof was on fire so I ran over.
“Several of the neighbours came out and were banging on the door to get her out. She was fine. She didn’t know what was going on, she just wanted to get some clothes.”

Four engines from Kent Fire and Rescue Service attended and managed to stop the flames from spreading to neighbouring properties.

Full story in this week's Kent Messenger Malling edition.