A Canterbury woman has been remanded in custody accused of three attempted murders after a house fire involving children.

Three children were treated for smoke inhalation after the blaze in Keats Corner, at the estate off George Roche Road.

Pearl Thomas, 37, of Keats Corner, has been charged with three murder bids and arson with intent to endanger life.

She appeared at Dover Magistrates' Court yesterday and was remanded in custody to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday, May 12.

Emergency services were called at about 3.30pm on Good Friday.

Fire crews returned to the estate later that day to post letters through neighbours' doors to allay residents of any safety concerns.

Neighbour Alan Todd, 39, says he returned from a family day out in Deal to find police cars outside his home.

The father-of-six said: "I asked the fire crews if there was a gas leak as I was worried about going into my house but I was told it was a small kitchen fire.

"Because we haven't lived here that long we don't really know each other. Everyone just keeps themselves to themselves."

Another woman, who did not want to be named, said stunned children and adults came out of their homes to see what was going on.

She said: "I was shocked to see so many police here I knew something big had happened.

"I haven't seen anything like it before. Normally this is a quiet estate."