Flames and smoke were seen pouring from a block of retirement flats after a fierce fire took hold.

A man suffered burns in the blaze, which took hold of part of Barton Mill Court in Canterbury shortly after 7.30pm yesterday.

A video posted on Facebook by Abdul Talaash shows a window engulfed in flames and smoke billowing out of an entrance door.

Four fire engines were sent to the scene, on the corner of St Stephen’s Road and Station Road West.

Cindy Gillett wrote on Facebook: “Was really bad when I went past. Really scary!”

Catherine Blower added: “Hope all the residents are OK. How scary for them.”

A fire service spokesperson said: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to Station Road West, in Canterbury, to reports of a fire in a flat.

“Four fire engines attended, and crews wearing breathing apparatus put the fire out using hose reel jets.

“A man was handed into the care of SECAmb paramedics due to smoke inhalation and minor burns.

“The cause of the fire is not yet known.”

Pictures shared on social media showed fire crews on the roundabout opposite Canterbury Register Office, with the road appearing to be shut off.

Crews spent almost four hours at the scene, before leaving just after 11.15pm.