A CHATHAM family of seven had a lucky escape when a fire ripped through their loft in the early hours.

It is thought the fire broke out in the attic area of the house after a loft light overheated and caught fire.

Luckily, one of the residents awoke before the whole house became engulfed in smoke. He was able to wake the others and lead them to safety.

Most of the roof of the property, in Wiltshire Close, Princes Park, was destroyed. The fire started at about 2.30am yesterday.

There was also some smoke damage to the upper hallway, but the bedrooms and the ground floor rooms were left untouched. The house is owned by mhs homes.