POLICE and fire chiefs are still investigating after eight people were lucky to survive following an arson attack on their home.

All eight residents had to be woken and saved by firefighters at their home in Charles Street, Chatham, after the front of the property was torched at about 5.30am on Sunday.

A number of people from Eastern Europe live in the multiple occupancy property. The fire is thought to have been started in a car which was parked in the driveway at the property.

The flames quickly spread to rubbish discarded near the car and spread to the front door and garage area.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “The front door was well alight when we arrived. First we had to put the out the fire and only then could we break into the home to wake the residents.

“They are extremely lucky to be alive. A substantial amount of smoke had already accumulated inside.

“Luckily for them their neighbour’s smoke alarm had been activated and they had called the emergency services. They were lucky this time, and were very shocked by what had happened.

He stressed; “The home did have two smoke alarms, but they were not working.”

Medway Police urge anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact them on 01634 884136.