A cigarette left to burn in a flower pot caused a fire at a home in Canterbury.

Emergency crews were called after the smoldering pot set alight the patio doors on the balcony of a flat in George Roche Road at 4.48am.

Two engines from Canterbury fire station put out the blaze.

Residents were alerted by their smoke alarm. No one was injured.

Crew manager Adrian Hawkins said: “It could have been a lot worse if there was no smoke alarm.

“Always make sure you get rid of your cigarettes properly.

“Keep them in a sensible place and make sure they are out.

“If you have got a balcony, put them out in a bucket of water or sand.”