An elderly man has died after a serious fire broke out in a sheltered accommodation block.

Eight other people were taken to hospital after the blaze in the two-storey building in Barn End Lane, Wilmington this morning.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service described the fire as "serious" and eight fire engines were sent to the scene at 7.39am.

A major incident was declared, but this has since been stood down.

The man, who is in his 70s, died following the fire, with a total of 20 patients assessed and treated..

His next of kin have been informed and a report is being compiled for the coroner.

A KFRS spokesman said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased at this time.

"The cause of the fire is currently unknown and is being investigated."

It is believed the fire broke out in Emily Court, which provides independent living with on-site care facilities for retired people.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus put out a fire in a flat using hose reels and main jets.

Several other flats sustained smoke logging, which has now been cleared.

Firefighters rescued five people from the building.

A number of residents were able to remain in their homes.

At 10.30am, KFRS scaled down the incident but paramedics remained at the scene assessing a number of patients.

South East Coast Ambulance service said: “SECAmb can confirm that it was called shortly before 7.45am today to reports of a serious fire in sheltered accommodation in Barn End Lane, Wilmington, near Dartford, in which a man sadly died.

"A large ambulance response attended the scene alongside emergency service colleagues. Our response included nine ambulances as well as Hazardous Area Response Team paramedics. The air ambulance also joined us at the scene.

"Eight patients have been taken to hospitals in Dartford and Medway by road, none of whom were thought to have suffered life-threatening injuries. In total we assessed and treated approximately 20 patients.

"We declared a major incident due to the number of patients and resource involved. The major incident has since been stood down.”

Darent Valley Hospital posted on their Facebook page asking people to use an alternative A&E as they were responding to a major incident.

A police spokesman said they were called at 7.43am.

Part of Barn End Lane was closed while emergency services deal with the incident.