A gas boiler thought to be at the centre of an investigation into the devastating Tannery fire had been inspected by engineers the day before, the Gazette can reveal.

A Gas Safe-approved technician from Swale Heating visited the home of mum-of-five Anna-Marie Carman and serviced the system before passing it safe.

The following day a fire started in the utility cupboard where the boiler was housed, quickly spreading through the terrace in City Wall Avenue, destroying 16 homes.

Anna-Marie said: "The boiler has been playing up ever since we moved in last October and I often had to switch the immersion on.

"I got a letter saying the annual service was due and an engineer came to carry it out.
"I was out, but my partner Vernon was there and he told him that it was unreliable.

"The engineer said it needed a replacement valve and we should call on Monday to arrange another visit.

"The only other thing in the cupboard was a couple of towels, which is what people usually put in their airing cupboards."

Swale Heating spokesman Leah Taylor said: “Swale Heating can confirm that they did undertake a full gas safety inspection and service of the boiler in the property on July 3.

"This was an annual regular service and not in response to any fault call.
"In fact, the last fault visit was in October 2014 for a weeping radiator valve. The safety check passed and no fault or additional works were identified as being required, the full report of which has been lodged with the landlord accordingly.

"The engineer on site did not converse with Miss Carman so is unable to comment further on her claim.

"Swale Heating will, of course, be happy to assist in any investigation such that the source of the fire may be correctly identified."

Rachel Branson, of Town and Country Housing, which owns the property, said: "We are aware that an engineer attended the property in order to carry out an annual gas safety check.
"Our records indicate the safety check was completed and no further work was required."

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said it was aware the boiler was inspected the day before the blaze and its investigation continues.