A fire at a house in Deal early Monday has been described as suspicious.

Police were on duty outside the property in Dover Road, Walmer, overnight.

Fire crews from Deal were called to the two-storey home at 1.50am and were at first told there could be people trapped inside.

On arrival they found all the occupants already outside the building. No one was hurt.

The Kent Fire & Rescue Service has described the blaze as suspicious.

A spokesman said: "The first floor was well alight.

"A fire investigation officer was called to the scene and police have been on duty outside the building throughout the night."

The fire crews were at the property until 2.30am.