A suspect has been arrested and a duo have been treated in hospital after a fire gutted a house.

A blaze which tore through the home in St Mary’s Road, Faversham, yesterday morning is being treated as suspicious, police said.

The charred husk of the end of terrace home has been levelled since the blaze broke out at 4am, while a man in his 50s remains in custody.

A force spokesman said today: “Police was called to assist Kent Fire and Rescue Service at the scene of a fire in St Mary's Road at 4.05am on Thursday.

“The fire was extinguished and two people were taken to a local hospital with injuries.

“The cause of the fire is currently unknown and remains under investigation, however it is being treated as suspicious.

“A man in his 50s has been arrested in relation to the incident and remains in custody while enquiries continue.”

Seven fire crews fought back the flames, which could be seen coming from the roof, throughout yesterday morning.

Today, a police cordon has been set up around the destruction, with officers guarding the site.

At the time of the fire residents were told to keep windows shut.

People living close-by told a KentOnline reporter this morning how they have felt “shell-shocked” in the wake of the aftermath.

The house has been demolished and another three neighbouring homes currently require scaffolding.

Support from residents has been forthcoming, with many well-wishers taking to Facebook to offer up any help they can.

Police presence in the area is still strong with the road only reopening late last night after crews worked to demolish parts of the wreckage.

People living in the area were advised to close windows and doors due to the smoke 15 minutes later, but have been told they can reopen them.

Officers are appealing to anyone who has any information, or CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage from the area, to call 01634 792209, quoting reference 06-0165.