A horrified couple returned home to find their house in fire.

The couple, in their 60s, had been on a day out when then came back to their home at Bybrook, Sandgate, and heard the smoke alarm blaring from outside.

They opened the front door, found smoke billowing out, slammed it shut and dialled 999.

Firefighters were called to the property at Bybrook Field, Sandgate, just before 4.20pm today and they charged into the property wearing breathing apparatus.

The blaze was found to be a slow, smouldering one stemming from an electrical fault in the kitchen.

This meant that fire damage was limited but the house was smoke-logged.

Firefighters were able to put out the flames with a dry powder extinguisher and then ventilated the property.

Folkestone Fire Station watch manager Giles Parker said: “The couple had been out for six hours when they came back and discovered what had happened.

“Because it was a small fire we were able to use a powder extinguisher rather than a hosereel to prevent further damage.

“We would encourage people, when they go out or are asleep, to keep their doors shut inside their homes to stop smoke and fire spreading.

“Smoke itself can cause a lot of damage to a property and if you are inside asleep it can kill you.”

Two fire engines from Folkestone were called out and were at the scene for an hour.