A man has died in a “significant” house fire which broke out in the early hours, police have confirmed.

Ten fire engines, a command support unit, and a height vehicle were all sent to Salters Lane in Faversham after the blaze broke out at 18 minutes after midnight today (Saturday).

At 11.45am, officers confirmed a man in his 40s had died and his next of kin had been made aware.

A spokesperson for the police said: “A report will now be prepared for the coroner.

“The investigation to determine the cause of the fire is ongoing at this time.”

Earlier today, Tom Edwards, area manager with Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The incident has been scaled back through the night and the fire is under control, so we have reduced our attendance there.

“We are looking to investigate the cause of the fire and that will take the majority of the day as those investigations are just beginning.

“I cannot confirm any casualty numbers or details at the moment but I can say it was a large residential building that was affected and it was a significant fire.

“We would like to ask the people in the local area to avoid the area wherever possible.”

As of 10.45am, two fire engines remained at the scene as crews dampened down hotspots.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said just after midday: “We can now confirm that a man died at the scene of the house fire in Salters Lane, Faversham.

“An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way.”