A 39-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a suspected arson attack that caused a lorry to erupt into flames near The Orchards Shopping Centre and an Aldi supermarket in Dartford.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Suffolk Road at approximately 8:30pm on Saturday, January 18. Fire crews arrived to find the vehicle, parked in a loading bay, completely engulfed in flames.

A dramatic video captured the moment the fire consumed the lorry, with witnesses describing the scene as the blaze intensified. Naweed Hotak, who recorded the incident, can be heard commenting on how the fire was “getting worse” as crews battled to extinguish the flames.

No injuries were reported, but authorities have confirmed the cause of the fire is being treated as suspicious.

Arrest and Investigation

Police arrested a 39-year-old man on suspicion of arson the same evening. While he has been bailed pending further inquiries into the incident, he was remanded in custody on unrelated charges and appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court today, January 20.

Detectives have urged anyone with information about the fire to come forward.

If you witnessed the incident or have any information that may assist our investigation, please contact us,” said a police spokesperson.

How to Help

Anyone with information is asked to call 01474 366149 and quote reference 46/10114/25. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.

Authorities have not disclosed further details about the suspect or the potential motive behind the alleged arson. The investigation remains ongoing.