Joss sticks caused a major response at a in a high-rise block of flats last night.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service teams were sent to the nine-storey Gravesham Court, in Clarence Row, Gravesend, after lots of smoke was seen coming from a flat.

About 35 firefighters were called out to the property on the third floor, just after 9.30pm.

Crews forced entry to the home and found the flat smoke-logged because a large amount of Joss sticks had been left burning while the occupant had gone out.

A statement from the service said: "Due to the height of the building a full response for a building of six storeys or more was mobilised to the incident. Six fire engines and a height vehicle with 35 fire fighters were dispatched."

Crews dispersed the smoke with a large fan but found no fire in the property.

A command support unit was sent to the area and Kent Police and paramedics were also at the scene. No one was injured and Kent Police said the incident was not being treated as suspicious.

It is understood the homeowner did not arrive back to their property before crews left the area at about 11pm.