An electrical fire claimed the life of a family cat in the early hours of this morning.

Three fire engines tackled the blaze, with no other injuries.

Firefighters received reports of a blaze in Old Road East, Gravesend, at around 5.40am this morning.

The family were alerted to the fast-growing fire by their smoke alarm, allowing them to flee the property before it escalated.

Two adults and two children were at the scene when firefighters arrived.

It took crews from Thameside and Strood about 30 minutes to put out the blaze.

The fire is believed to have started in the family's electrical cupboard under the stairs.

Due to the large amount of items being stored there, the flames spread rapidly.

The house was left with smoke and heat damage.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the incident highlights the importance of having good, working smoke alarms.