POLICE are appealing for information after a spate of arson attacks in Gillingham town centre.

Three commercial properties were deliberately set alight overnight between Monday March, 30 and the early hours of this morning.

The first incident happened at the Cats Protection charity shop on High Street at around 1.10am.

Significant damage was caused to the front porch area of the shop, whilst bags of donated goods were also destroyed in the fire.

Another attack happened at an unknown time during the night at Synergie Commercial Ltd, Synergie House, Newbury.

A large bag of rubbish was taken to the back of the property and set alight.

A third incident occurred at Chapman Moore Estate Agents on High Street. The toilet door, at the rear of the building, had been set on fire.

Detectives believe the three incidents are linked.

Detective Constable Siobhan Lovering, of Weymouth CID, said: “A large amount of damage has been caused to these three properties in the town centre.

“I am appealing for witnesses to these attacks, or anyone who noticed suspicious behaviour at the relevant locations overnight, to contact Dorset Police on 101.

“All calls will be dealt with in confidence.”

No arrests have been made.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 31:15.

Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.