A fire which raged through the front of a home in Walmer is being treated as arson, police have confirmed.

The blaze, which started about 2am, began in the porch and spread to the hall and up the front of the property.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information on who caused the ignition.

Deal Fire Station watch manager Malcolm Cowie said: "We felt it was suspicious because there was no power source in there or Christmas lights and nobody had been smoking.

"There was one occupant who was asleep in his bed and was woken up by the smoke detector."

"He went to go downstairs but the fire had spread and there was too much heat so he got out onto the roof. "

He was rescued from the flat roof and given oxygen therapy at the scene.

The operation saw two crews from Deal and one from Dover attend, joined by the ambulance service and police.

The cause is unexplained but is being investigated. There is damage to the front of the property and the roof, and some damage to the neighbouring house.

Watch manager Cowie added: "The safety message is to make sure you have working smoke alarms in your home.

This is proof that they do alert you and give you extra time to get out.

"And at this time of year people should be reminded not to leave their Christmas lights unattended."

To book a home fire safety check call freephone 0800 923 7000 or for tips, click here.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference number ZY/45909/16.