Firefighters were called out to a home in Gravesend last night after a faulty tumble dryer burst into flames.

A crew from Thames-Side were called out to a home in Snelling Avenue, at about 9.45pm after a neighbour reported smoke billowing from a window.

The homeowner was out at the time the fire broke out and the neighbour was able to get the two dogs who were in the property to safety.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The home didn't have a working smoke alarm on the ground floor.

"If there had been one fitted, the alarm could have been raised sooner.

"The appliance, which we think was faulty, was situated in a cupboard under the stairs.

"We used an open window to damp down the flames before entering the property wearing breathing apparatus.

"No one was home at the time and we would suggest people turn off appliances if they are not at home to supervise them.

"The damage was contained to the cupboard and the homeowners arrived back before we left and we fitted a smoke alarm in the property for them."

In all, the crew spent about an hour at the scene dealing with the incident.