Detectives investigating fires at two hospitals are investigating whether an arsonist started both blazes after confirming they are linking the offences.
Officers attended the Kent and Canterbury Hospital with Kent Fire and Rescue Service shortly before 3pm on Thursday to investigate the cause of a fire reported at the site.
Police are also investigating a report of theft from the hospital restaurant whilst the fire was being dealt with.
The offence is being linked to a fire at Medway Foundation Trust’s Medway Maritime Hospital site on Wednesday. No-one was injured in either of the fires.
Chief Inspector Iain Mackenzie, of Kent Police said: “Following our initial assessment we are satisfied that the two fires are connected.
“An investigation team is following up a number of lines of inquiry and we will continue to work closely with our colleagues at Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the National Health Service to identify whoever is responsible.”
“If anyone can help police with their investigations, please contact Kent Police on 101. Alternatively contact Kent CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The fire at the the Kent and Canterbury Hospital is similar to a fire at Crawley Hospital in West Sussex on Tuesday.
Patients and visitors were evacuated from the hospital following a fire in a sixth-floor store cupboard on Comet ward.
No-one was injured but a small amount of cash was stolen from a till in the hospital restaurant during the fire, Sussex Police said.
Detectives are also examining whether the blaze, which took place at 1.30pm, is linked to three other fires in Brighton, East Sussex.
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