A man had to be rescued from a windowsill after a fire swept through a flat in Gravesend following a suspected arson attack.

Firefighters in three engines were called to Valley Drive just after 8pm yesterday.

The resident of the bedsit was rescued by a downstairs neighbour who heard the smoke alarm sounding.

Scroll down for video

A second man living in a neighbouring bedsit was rescued from a windowsill by crews using a 7m ladder. He was taken to hospital for checks.

VIDEO: Police and firefighters are continuing to investigate a suspected arson attack at a block of flats in Gravesend

Paramedics treated another two people for smoke inhalation at the scene.

A 28-year-old man from Gravesend was arrested on suspicion of arson but was released this morning pending further inquiries.

.

The cause of the fire, which left the flat badly damaged, is being investigated.

Fire investigators and forensics teams remained at the scene today.

At the height of the fire, a team wearing breathing apparatus was sent into the building - which comprised eight bedsits - and used a hose reel to douse the flames.

The fire was out by 9.10pm. Crews then spent time damping down and checking the roof space to ensure the fire had not spread.

A fire service spokesman said: "The intense fire severely damaged the bedsit and broke into the loft space but crews worked hard to prevent it spreading further."