A SUSPICIOUS fire has caused at least £40,000 of damage to a scrapyard.

Police are examining CCTV footage after a series of blazes broke out in a two-storey temporary building and a tipper lorry at Sall Waste Transfer Station.

Two fire crews from Thames-side were called to the yard, which rents its premises from Gravesend Metal Recycling, Wharf Road, Gravesend.

Firefighters arrived at 12.30am and spent more than an hour battling the January 21 blaze.

The upper floor of a temporary structure was destroyed and the lower level damaged. The tipper lorry was also damaged.

The owner of Gravesend Metal Recycling, who does not want to be named, says he was contacted in the early hours by the emergency services.

He said: "Luckily we have got CCTV footage of two people carrying a petrol canister.

"We have given this to the police.

"The fire has caused a lot of mess and the truck has been towed away. It is completely wrecked."

The man is scared the same thing will happen to his business, which is situated next door to the scrapyard.

He said: "I don't know why people do this sort of thing."

North Kent police are now looking into the cause of the fire after being called in by the Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

Investigating officer PC Garry Cook said: "It would seem this fire was started deliberately and I would urge anyone who has information to come forward.

"We would particularly like to speak to two youths who were seen climbing into the yard shortly before the incident."

A forensic examination of the yard has been carried out and officers are viewing CCTV footage.

Sall Waste Transfer Station declined to comment.

Anyone with information should call north Kent police on 01474 565220.