An unlikely train of events led to a blaze that destroyed half of a kitchen in Greenhithe.

A vacuum cleaner toppled over in a kitchen at a home in Eagles Road in Greenhithe on Thursday afternoon.

It fell onto a switch of an electric oven which turned on and began heating up.

The homeowners, who were out at the time, returned to find their house filled with smoke, just before 3.30pm.

Two fire engines were sent and crews quickly got the flames under control before cutting away parts of the kitchen cupboards to check for fire spread.

A thermal imaging camera was used to check for hot spots

Dartford watch manager Dave Boakes said: "The fire had been smouldering for some time before we were alerted. The heat had cracked window panes and melted the cupboard fronts. The whole property was filled with thick black smoke.

"This highlights how easily a fire can break out. My advice to residents is to ensure cookers and other appliances are always switched off after use and never store items around ovens and hobs.

"It is essential that you have working smoke alarms fitted in your home as they provide an early warning of fire."

The fire also caused heavy smoke damage throughout the house.