A YOUNG family had a lucky escape when a fire broke out in their Kent home early on Saturday.

The fire, which is thought to have started in the front room of the house in Silverbank, Chatham, totally destroyed the ground floor and severely smoke damaged the rest of the property.

The family, who were too shocked to talk about the blaze on Saturday, were alerted by their smoke alarm and managed to get out of bed and out of the property before firefighters arrived.

Crews from Strood, Rainham, Chatham and Gillingham, joined colleagues from Maidstone stations to tackle the flames.

The fire broke out at about 9.20am. It was brought under control within 30 minutes and firefighers were able to stop the flames spreading to upstairs rooms.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The family were asleep, but managed to get out before we arrived as their fire alarm was activated. They were unharmed, but very shocked.

"They did breath in a bit of smoke and were taken to hospital shortly afterward as a precaution.

"It is a bit early to say how the fire started but we do not believe it was suspicious."