Homeowners are being warned about the dangers of leaving gadgets on charge after a blaze in the county.

Firefighters were called to a two-storey property in Coombe Valley Road, Dover, after a family found smoke coming from the first floor.

It is thought the an electronic cigarette charger was the cause of the blaze, which firefighters were called to shortly after 9pm yesterday.

The couple and their two children escaped with no injuries before three fire engines arrived and put out the blaze, using a hose reel.

Dover crew manager Adrian Hawkins said: "The fire is believed to have started in an electronic cigarette charger that had overheated, causing it to explode and set fire to a computer and desk.

"Due to the plastic and electronics involved in the fire, the smoke was particularly acrid and highly toxic.

"It appears that there were no working smoke alarms to alert the family to the fire, so if the fire had happened during the night, they may not have realised until much later, with serious consequences.

"We are advising residents to unplug any chargers as soon as their devices have charged up, and to never leave them charging overnight, or while they are out.

"Please also ensure you have smoke alarms fitted on all floors of your property and that you test them weekly to ensure they will provide early warning in the unfortunate event of a fire."

British Red Cross victim support units also arrived to offer support to the family, who had to find alternative accommodate overnight.

Crew will be returning to the area to offer fire safety advice to residents following this incident.