Firefighters were called to a house in Dartford where a blaze in a cupboard under the stairs destroyed half of the ground floor.

The fire broke out in Windsor Drive at about 10am.

Firefighters were still at the scene at 3pm but there were no casualties.

Watch manager David Boakes said: "No one was injured in the fire as they were able to get out when the smoke alarms went off. They went to stay with a neighbour.

"About 50% of the ground floor has been destroyed by the fire and the rest of the house is smoke damaged. We're not sure what caused it but it was accidental."

Witnesses took to social media shortly after the fire broke out to say a lot of smoke could be seen in the area.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews used breathing apparatus and a hose reel jet to deal with the fire. The house was heavily smoke logged and a fan was used to clear the smoke."

Two fire engines went to the house and crews stayed for several hours to check for hot spots and make sure the fire was out.