Police today said they are treating a fire that gutted a house near Dover yesterday afternoon as suspicious.

Around 20 firefighters from Dover, Deal and Folkestone battled the blaze at the mid-terraced property in Bindon Blood Road, in Whitfield, from around 2.45pm.

Flames and smoke were pouring from the front and back of the house when the first crews arrived. The blaze was so intense, no firefighters could enter the building to search for anyone who might have been trapped inside.

But there was no one in the house at the time and Kent Fire and Rescue Service said no one was injured in the blaze, which affected both floors of the house and roof.

A spokesman said four fire engines spent two hours at the scene and prevented flames spreading to neighbouring properties, which were smoke-logged.

They used three water jets to tackle the blaze, which was under control at around 4.45pm. Crews remained on the scene until 7pm and fire investigators are back at the property again today.

The woman and two boys who lived there were provided with alternative accommodation last night.

A spokesman for the district council said: "We can confirm that the council is in contact with the family and is providing appropriate assistance. It would not be appropriate to comment further on individual details."

Kent Police say they are investigating the fire as suspicious and anyone with information is asked to phone DC Theresa Gaughran on 01227 868131 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 11.