Firefighters saved five dogs, a parrot and a hamster from a house fire this afternoon.

The pets were pulled from a property in Columbine Road, Strood, after a fire which started in the garden, spread to the building.

Kent Fire and Rescue were called to the home at 2.40pm and three fire engines, one from Strood station and two from Medway, attended.

A spokesman from Strood station said: "The fire start in the garden and spread to the house. The owners weren't present at the time."

The crews were there for around two hours. They made the scene safe and are investigating the cause of the fire which is believed to be an electrical fault.