Chatham flats were evacuated early today after residents woke to find flames licking at their windows.

Five people from the second floor had to leave the building after smoke and flames took hold at around 2am.

Firefighters believe the cause was a discarded cigarette that set light to a mattress next to a gas main outside the flats in Luton Road.

Crews and two fire engines were on the scene for an hour.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "The gas main had ignited and flames and smoke were billowing up the front of the property.

"Fortunately, no one was hurt and the structure of the building was not affected."

Some smoke damage was caused to a ground floor flat, which was unoccupied.

Firefighters also tackled a blazing caravan and nearby hedge yesterday.

At 12.10pm, two fire engines were sent out to Common Lane, Cliffe.

The fire was extinguished within 15 minutes and no injuries have been reported.

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