Three churches set alight in the early hours of Tuesday near Felton in Delaware have been ruled an arson by investigating officers. 

Healing Hands Christian Church was the first fire to be reported to emergency responders just before 2am, followed by Manship Chapel shortly after, and the Laws Mennonite Church, at around 5:30am.  

According to DelawareOnline, the damage to Healing Hands has rendered the church a "total loss" and has been estimated at around $75,000. 

The damage to Manship Chapel and Laws Mennonite Church has been put at around $1,000 and $10,000 respectively. 

The churches are several miles apart and the State Fire Marshal's Office, which is leading the investigation, said "common denominators" had been found. 

Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio said it was "rare" to have three fires in the same area in a single night. 

Investigators have confirmed that the fires were caused by arson and Chionchio said they were working to find out who was behind the attacks.  

"Obviously, it's something that we've made a high priority," he said.