Two men have been arrested in connection with a suspected arson attack on a block of flats in Canterbury.

The pair – aged 26 and 27 – were quizzed by detectives investigating the suspicious fire at the three-storey building in Sussex Avenue.

Eight people were rescued after the blaze started in a communal hallway on the first floor.

Just before 5am a recycling bin outside the home of Betty Foster caught light, triggering the alarm and filling her home with thick smoke.

She then saw flames coming into her home under the front door.

"We were woken up by the smoke alarm at I don’t even know what time and started to throw buckets of water over the fire," Mrs Foster, 56, said.

"Then the flames started to come through. It has destroyed the front door to the flat.

"The fire brigade came and they got us out via the balcony. I’m all right now, but it was terrifying at the time."

Police, ambulance and fire crews were called to the scene.

Firefighters told residents to stay in their flats with doors closed while they tackled the flames using a high pressure hose.

A second team then used a 13.5-metre ladder to lead eight residents to safety. No one was injured.

Crews left the scene just before 6am.

A 26-year-old man from Canterbury was arrested the following day on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and has been bailed until May 11 while enquiries continue.

A 27-year-old man from Canterbury was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. He has now been bailed until May 12.

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to call police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference ZY/11431/16.