POLICE investigating a fire at the Black Lion pub in Red Street, Southfleet, have arrested and bailed a man.

The 19-year-old, from Dartford, was arrested on Tuesday (January 20) and questioned by detectives.

He was released on police bail on Wednesday (January 21) pending further inquiries.

A join investigation is under way by Kent police and Kent Fire and Rescue Service into the blaze which badly damaged the pub in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Flames spread quickly, resulting in a partial collapse of the building.

A spokesman for Scottish and Newcastle Pub Enterprises, which own the building, said: "The Black Lion was a beautiful old, partly-thatched pub in an attractive village setting and its destruction by fire is a great loss to us and to the local community.

“It had recently been taken over by a new landlord who had been warmly welcomed by villagers and customers.”

The spokesman added: “The pub has been extensively damaged by the fire, fortunately no-one was hurt.

“We are working closely with the emergency services in order to make the fire damaged site safe and secure so the fire service and police can continue to carry out their investigations. We thank them for their help in this matter.

“We would also like to thank local people for their support and kind wishes.”

The spokesman could not confirm if the company would be able to repair the historic building.

They said: “It is too early to say what will happen.

We need to get investigation teams there to assess the damage to the building then we will be able to have a bit of a clearer picture.”

The cause of the blaze is being treated as suspicious.

Police are appealing for information and witnesses to the fire.

If you have information which may help with their inquiries, call Detective Sergeant Dave Masters at north Kent police station on 01474 366098 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.