Two people escaped their bungalow after a fire suddenly broke out in the middle of the night.

The woman and her adult son fled the property, in Quince Orchard, Hamstreet, at about 2.30am today.

The pair were alerted when the son had woken up and smelt smoke coming from the living room.

Ashford Fire Station watch manager Jim Smart said: "They were lucky. They didn't have a smoke alarm but the living room door was closed, so stopping the fire spreading."

Two fire engines, from Ashford and Aldington, were called out and the living room had 50 per cent fire damage.

The occupants were unhurt and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service warns all householders to have a smoke alarm.

For further details visit www.kent.fire-uk.org