Police have issued images of a man they want to speak to after a suspected arson attack on a popular town centre comic shop.
The person is seen near a cash machine in Rochester High Street, yards away from where Get Ready Comics was damaged by fire in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Friends, customers and fellow traders have rallied round to support the owners of a town’s popular shop, which has been targeted by suspected arsonists.
Get Ready Comics in Rochester High Street was torched in the early hours of Tuesday morning, forcing it to remain closed for most of this week.
The blaze, which was believed to have started after the floral archway outside the door was deliberately ignited, prompted a wave of shock and anger among the community
A GoFundMe page set up by a customer has raised more than £2,000 with donations flooding in from hundreds of wellwishers in just two days.
Remarkably owner Paul Blakeborough has been able to reopen on Thursday by using a side entrance.
Mr Blakeborough described it as “senseless vandalism” which had endangered the lives of eight people living in flats above the business.
He said: “Whoever did this had no regard for human life. What they were essentially doing was setting fire to a block of flats.”
Repairs would take about a month to complete and would cost “into the thousands”.
In the early hours of the morning, the blaze ripped through the recently refurbished unit next to the Blue Boar Lane car park, destroying some of its high-end designer merchandise and collectables.
Mr Blakeborough, who has managed shops in the town centre for about 10 years, said he had no idea how much or the value of items torched in the fire.
“To be honest, loss of trade is more impactful,” he said. “The end of the school holiday is a critical hit for us.
“We like to think we have brought a lot of positivity to the community here, and then something like this happens.”
It wasn’t the first time the shop had been targeted in recent weeks. Nearly two weeks ago when the front display window was smashed by yobs, Mr Blakeborough explained.
Lauren Evans set up the fundraiser saying cash was needed to “bring this treasured place back to life”
She said: “While we’re beyond grateful that no one was hurt, the shock of this senseless act has rippled through the entire community. It’s not just a shop that’s been targeted — it’s a place that means something to so many.
“Get Ready Comics is more than four walls filled with comics, games, and collectables. It’s a home for fans, a hub for friendship, and a safe space where everyone is welcome — whether you’re a lifelong collector or stepping into the world of comics for the very first time.
“Paul and the team aren’t just shopkeepers; they are the beating heart of this community. Always kind. Always welcoming. Always going above and beyond.”
Mr Blakeborough paid a heartfelt thanks to the community, the police and firefighters for their “amazing” support.
He said : “It’s been very humbling and helped us get over these last 48 hours.
The owner also paid a special “shout out” to the service, adding: “Without their immediate attention, there would have been a serious risK of life. They saved the lives of the people living here, and they saved the shop.”
Police are investigating the incident which happened between 5am and 5.25am on Tuesday.
Officers are urging anyone with information to call 01634 792209, quoting reference 46/148526/25. Residents with private CCTV and motorists with dashcam are also asked to check for relevant footage.
