A couple escaped unharmed after fire ripped through a house in Folkestone last night.

The blaze started in the roof of the detached property in Cornwallis Avenue and spread to the rest of the house.

Fire crews from Folkestone were alerted at 10.30pm by the occupiers, a man and woman, who managed to get out unharmed.

Watch manager Vic Thorogood, from blue watch, said: "When we got there the house was well alight. The roof was engulfed in flames.

"The couple had got out but the damage to the house is severe so they have lost a lot."

Crews wore breathing apparatus to tackle the fire. Backup was called for from Hythe, Dover and Ashford plus a turntable ladder was needed.

Firefighters were at the scene until 1.30am today. The cause of the fire is being investigated.