Three people have been taken to hospital after a fire broke out in a block of flats in Gravesend.

The fire, which is thought to have started at about 12.40am this morning, broke out in flats in Harmer Street and the cause of it is under investigation.

Crews from Thames-side, Dartford, Medway, Strood and Swanscombe were sent out to help fight the flames and spent about five hours at the scene.

An incident support unit, police and ambulance crews were also sent to area.

Three adults had to be taken to hospital as a result of the fire, one suffering burns the other two suffered smoke inhalation.

Fire crews used breathing apparatus to enter the building and rescued one man who was suffering from smoke inhalation and brought him down by ladder. All other residents got out of the building safely.

Police and fire investigators are due back at the scene tomorrow morning to try and establish the exact cause of the fire, which is said to have damaged a large part of the four-storey building.

Crews finally left the scene at about 5.40am.