A derelict house was so badly damaged in an arson attack it may have to be pulled down.

Fire crews from across Thanet were called to the detached property on Victoria Road, Margate, on Thursday evening to tackle the blaze.

The fire, which was started on the ground floor, was well advanced by the time fire fighters gained access to the house through a window.

The floor of the property had already burned away and cracks had started to appear above the windows.

Paul Ward, watch manager at Margate fire station, said: “It looked as if it was about to fall down and we decided it was too dangerous to tackle the fire from the inside.

"The building is in a very hazardous condition.”

Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the fire was started deliberately.

Part of Victoria Road remained cordoned off on Friday, while safety experts decide whether to erect scaffolding around the property or to demolish it completely.