Neighbours who offered help after a fire broke out at a block of flats say flames were coming out of the windows.

Three people were rescued and several homes evacuated after the blaze at Mallards, off Cudworth Road, Willesborough, just after 6pm last night.

The fire in Willesborough, Ashford. Footage: Phoenix Renton

Neighbour Lindsay Renton said the road quickly filled with fire engines, ambulances and police cars.

The 40-year-old added: "Everyone got out and so did the dogs, it was the dogs that alerted everyone to the fire.

"No one is in there any more – they all had to sleep somewhere else because it was full of smoke.

"Everyone was out here helping and getting people tea and coffee. Within about half-an-hour it was out but it was still smoking for ages.

"I've heard the council put some families up and I assume some others went to stay with friends and family."

Three fire engines were sent and crews tackled flames on the ground floor of the property.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reel jets, main jets and water from a local hydrant to tackle the blaze.

Laura Stoica, 41, who also lives in Cudworth Road, said: "There were lots of dogs barking and fighting where they were scared.

"The fire was huge outside of the windows.

"We just moved here so we don't know the family but I hope they are okay."

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: "Three occupants were assisted to safety by crews, before being passed into the care of South East Coast Ambulance Service."

Fire crews were at the scene for two hours and Kent Police and the British Red Cross also attended.

It is not yet known how the fire started but an investigation into the cause is under way.

The Salvation Army centre nearby said it was on standby should any families need support.