A house in a Gravesend village has been severely damaged by flames.

Police are investigating the blaze, which destroyed a bathroom and left the rest of the property, in Leywood Road, Harvel, severely damaged by fire and smoke.

Two crews from Thames-side fire station were called to the cottage, which has been up for sale and unoccupied for several years, at about 7.30pm last night (Wednesday).

Crews from Gillingham and Cliffe were called in to help because of the property's remote location and scarcity of water hydrants. They did not leave until 11pm.

Police have begun a joint investigation into the cause of the fire with Kent Fire and Rescue Service and have been examining the scene this morning (Thursday). They are treating it as suspicious.

If you were in the area at the time of the fire and have information which may help police with their investigation, call Detective Sergeant Tom Duff at North Kent Police Station on 01474 366098 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.