Families fled to safety after a fire broke out in the basement of a block of flats in Gravesend town centre early this morning.

When firefighters arrived at the smoke-logged four-storey building in Harmer Street at about 6am, six people, including children, were shivering outside on the pavement.

Crews from Thames-side and Strood using breathing apparatus spent two hours at the flats while residents were looked after by paramedics,

The cause of the fire, which broke out in a box room is being investigated.

Watch manager Lee Murray said ; "It really helped that all smoke detectors were working, so everybody got out in time and safely.

"It was very cold but everyone remained calm."

The fire was contained to the basement room and residents were allowed back to their homes