Fire crews were called to a blaze in a flat in Pelham Road this afternoon.

Neighbours heard a smoke alarm going off in a top floor flat and called Kent Fire and Rescue Service just after noon.

Crews managed to put out the blaze but have warned it could have had more serious consequences if the smoke alarm had not been working.

John Allwright, Thames-side watch manager, said: “We arrived just minutes later to find smoke billowing out of the property and had to force entry into the flat as the resident was out at the time.

“Fortunately the fire was detected early by neighbours, thanks to the working smoke alarm, which also enabled residents in neighbouring properties to get out to safety.

“However, the fire left the flat heavily damaged by smoke and this incident does highlight the need for households to be particularly mindful of their electrical appliances and to ensure they are safe and in good working order. If in doubt get them tested by a professional electrician.”

The fire is believed to have been caused by a rolled up heat matt, which has been left on. It overheated and caught fire.

KFRS offers free safety advice to identify fire risks in the home. For more information, call 0800 9237000 or email home@kent.fire-uk.org.