The boxes were trade waste set out for collection on Wednesday night.
They were burned to ashes but luckily the fire did not spread to the Heritage Centre.

The charred remains were spotted by Rye resident Scarlet James who took this picture.

She said: "Several times I have witnessed the game of `lets kick the boxes` but thankfully I didn't see this going on."

The incident bears striking parallels to when arsonists set light to bins next to Martyn Channon's Country Store, at Rye Market, burning it to the ground and causing the biggest blaze Rye has seen in years.

Arsonists were also responsible for burning down the historic chapel at Rye Cemetery earlier this year.

The boxes are latest in a series of incidents this year.
Fires have been set at Rope Walk and Rye Harbour.

Mayor Sam Souster commented: "There seems to be an incredible amount of arson going on for a small town like Rye."

Rye police sergeant John Berry said: "People setting light to rubbish has been a real problem. No suspects have been formally identified though we do have some leads we are following."

Sgt Berry said: "If anyone can provide any information they should report it. We need the public to come forward and provide us with evidence."