A cardboard box of food caught fire in a freak accident.

The box was placed on an electric stove, leading to the hob underneath being turned on.

Firefighters with breathing apparatus dealt with the blaze, which caused heavy smoke in the kitchen.

The incident happened at Albert Road, Ashford, just before 10pm on Tuesday night.

The box was destroyed but no further damage was caused.

The occupants got out of the house safely, closing the kitchen door, and called the fire brigade.

Two engines from the Ashford station were called out.