Appeal following arson in rural Dover village

Witnesses are sought by officers investigating a suspected arson on farmland in a rural village near Dover.

Kent Police was called to assist at 7.25pm on Tuesday 18 August 2026 following a report that hay bales were alight in Station Road, St Margaret’s at Cliffe.

Large fire

Officers attended along with Kent Fire and Rescue Service, who worked extensively to extinguish a large fire. Nobody was reported to have been injured and numerous livestock were moved to safety.

The cause is being treated as suspicious and an investigation is ongoing.

Appeal

Officers are appealing to anyone with relevant information to assist their enquiries, including CCTV and dashcam footage, to come forward.

Witnesses should contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/136496/26. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555111 or use the online form.

Inspector Paul Barrell from Dover’s Community Safety Unit said: 'This fire has had a devastating impact on the local community, with early estimated costs to rural business exceeding £100,000.'It is thanks to the swift actions of officers, firefighters, local residents and volunteers at the scene that the consequences were not worse.'