This is the moment a business owner's lorry burst into flames - following a suspected arson attack.

Matt Fireman, who owns discount shop Nice Price in Dartford, Kent, lost £25,000 worth of stock when his lorry caught fire.

He had just got home from a long shift when he received a call from a security worker at The Orchards Shopping Centre - where his store is based and where his lorry was parked.

Mr Fireman, 41, said: "As soon as they said ‘your lorry is on fire', the worst thoughts go through your mind."

"It was just panic as I knew what was on the lorry. I drove straight down and when I arrived there were fire engines and the police were there."

"The stock costs a lot of money so I got here as quick as I could but it was all gone. We lost the whole lorry."

"It is insured thankfully, but the inside was not, so we have lost all the stock for the shop."

Dramatic footage captured the moment the vehicle, which was parked in a loading bay behind the shopping centre, became engulfed in flames at around 8.30pm last Saturday (January 18).

The HGV, which Mr Fireman named his ‘Del Boy' lorry because it was covered with images from iconic British sitcom Only Fools and Horses, was filled with around £25,000 worth of new stock for his shop such as toys, blankets, and bedding.

Despite the firefighters' efforts, the entire back of the vehicle was gutted - destroying everything inside and leaving charred remains.

It is believed that the incident was an arson attack. Kent Police have said they are investigating.

Mr Fireman added: "This is the first bit of trouble we have had here. Nothing like this has ever happened before."

"I do not think the person knew what impact this would have. It is a big loss financially for us."

"I am hoping we can bounce back. There are a lot of people who are worse off."

The multi-storey car park at the Orchards Shopping Centre has been closed since the fire until engineers can visit the site to ensure it is safe.

A spokeswoman for the mall's management team said she is not sure how long it will be closed - but confirmed it will be reopened once inspections have taken place.

Since the weekend, Mr Fireman said he has had an outpouring of support from both his regular customers and suppliers who have offered to send him more deliveries to replace what was lost.

He said: "We have been in Dartford for 17 years so to get all the phone calls, messages, and the lovely customers coming into the shop - that has been really nice."

Police said a 39-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident on Saturday (January 18).

He was later bailed to return to the police station pending further inquiries.

The investigation continues.

Anyone with information that may assist police should call 01474 366149, quoting reference 46/10114/25.