by Jamie Bullen

A woman arrested after a house fire in Northfleet has been released without charge.

Police arrested a 45-year-old woman on suspicion of arson after fire ripped through a home in Dowding Walk, Northfleet, yesterday at 8.10pm.

Alerted by smoke detectors, fire crews from Thames-side, Dartford and Horton Kirby stations fought the flames for more than two hours, but could not prevent serious smoke damage.

An investigation is now under way to establish the cause of the fire, which broke out in the front room.

Thames-side watch manager Lee Murray said: "Please check your smoke alarms are up and running, especially at this time of year."

Gravesham council was also called to the address last night.