An investigation is under way after six children were injured after an explosion at an empty block of flats in Folkestone.

The suspected gas blast happened at around 5.45pm on Saturday at Marine Parade, leading to the two girls and four boys, believed to be pre-teen to early teenage, being rushed to hospital.

One is still in hospital being treated for burns.

Neighbour Steven Weatheritt, who lives just four doors away, said: "I was at home and suddenly heard this terrific noise.

"I didn't know what it was by my four children were terrified by it and I knew something was seriously wrong.

"I got all of us out straight away, I didn't even wait for the emergency services to tell us to leave."

South Kent Police spokesman Jon Green said: "Six children were taken to hospital mainly suffering from superficial wounds.

A 13-year-old boy received burns but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

"Police investigating this incident will be speaking to the children about the explosion, and are currently treating it as suspicious."

Kent Air Ambulance was called out and the helicopter waited on nearby waste ground to fly casualties to hospital. But all were taken by land crews to the William Harvey in Ashford.

Four fire engines, from Folkestone, Hythe and Dover attended the incident and Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the blast had caused 80 per cent damage to three floors of the five-storey building.

Crews also had to put out small pockets of fire in the basement following the explosion.

The blast blew out windows in the house, sending glass flying as far as 100ft away. Windows of nearby cars were also shattered.

The flats were at the end of a terrace of properties and the entire block was evacuated by police, who also sealed off the surrounding area.

Gas board officials were also called in to isolate the supply and confirmed they had found no leaks to adjoining buildings.

Police are asking anyone with information concerning this incident to contact Folkestone police station on 01303 850055