Stock police image

Ten young men arrested following incidents overnight in Chatham, Rainham and Gillingham

Police have arrested 10 people after incidents of vandalism overnight in the Medway towns.

Several fires were set by a group of around 15 young men in Chatham, Rainham and Gillingham.

At 8.30pm there were confrontations with officers in Gillingham High Street.

Firefighters were called to a car fire in New Street, Chatham at 12.56am. There was another vehicle fire in the Wickes car park in Maidstone Road, Chatham at 1am and a third in the town’s Tesco multi-storey car park in Eldon Street at 1.30am.

At 2.20am this morning (Tuesday), fire cres dealt with a small rubbish blaze in a shelter in Rainham High Street before tackling a number of bin fires in Gillingham High Street at 2.30am.

There were also numerous incidents of criminal damage to cars.

Police believe the group travelled to the area by train.

A spokeswoman said: “Significant police resources have been deployed to the area resulting in the arrests of ten men for conspiracy to cause damage to property. Since then no further damages have been reported and thankfully, no-one was injured in any of the incidents. An investigation is now underway to identify all those involved.”

The ten men arrested are being held at Medway police station.

If you have any information about the incidents or those responsible contact police on 01622 690690 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.