'We are all heartbroken, there is nothing left'

A family home in Kent was destroyed in a suspected arson attack

A family is appealing for information and CCTV after their home was destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

Eleven fire engines were sent to the property Battle Lane in Marden at 00:40 BST on 20 August.

Kent Police said the "extensive fire" was brought under control and extinguished several hours later. Officers are appealing for information and confirmed the incident is being treated as arson.

Petra Houston, 57, said: "We are all heartbroken, there's really no words at the minute. It was our home of 47 years and there is nothing left."

Petra Houston said she watched as her family home "burnt to the ground" in front of her

Ms Houston said she received a phone call from a neighbour in the early hours of 20 August to say her father's house was on fire.

She said: "I drove five minutes down the road and watched it burn to the ground waiting for the firefighters to come.

"It was heartbreaking to watch - 47-years'-worth, everything that we owned."

The house had been vacant after Ms Houston's 78-year-old father Pete moved in with her as his dementia worsened.

It contained his collection of Steve McQueen memorabilia, including a replica of the 1968 Ford Mustang from the movie Bullitt.

"He absolutely loved Steve McQueen," she said. "He had his driving licence, memorabilia and photos signed by his wife.

"The firefighters arrived just in time to spray some foam on his mustang.

"Still, he doesn't really realise what has happened, he asks if we are going there today and I have to tell him, 'tomorrow, tomorrow' and I know tomorrow never comes."

Petra Houston with her father Pete before his dementia deteriorated

She said her father's condition had deteriorated since the fire and he was now bedbound.

"My father is struggling at the best of times, this has pushed him over the edge.

"I went out to gather CCTV and he got out of the house on his own and fell. When they found him he was trying rescue the dog because someone told him his house was on fire.

"I've noticed a massive difference in him since he found out the news. He's gone so downhill. It's all because of this. It would have come to this but maybe not for 10 years or so."

A community fundraiser has been set up online to support the family.

Police are investigating if a burglary reported at the property on 11 August is connected.