A FIRE near a block of flats led to panic amongst some residents who feared they would be trapped in their homes.

The blaze, which started in a metal container behind shops in Henderson Drive, Temple Hill, Dartford, caused concern amongst those living on the first floor of the nearby block.

Two fire crews from Dartford were called to the scene at 2.20am on Monday morning.

A spokesman from Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: "The fire wasn’t too serious, but people on the first floor of the flats above it were concerned it would spread and they wouldn’t be able to get out."

Crews spent 45 minutes battling the flames in the 3m x 6m container. Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze posed no danger to residents and no one was evacuated.