by Lynn Cox

An investigation has begun into a fire which broke out in a flat in Strood last night.

Firefighters were called to flats off Tamar Drive, behind Strood Leisure Centre, to deal with the blaze which began behind the door of the ground floor property at about 7.30pm.

No one was inside the flat at the time of the fire and is it suspected it may have been started deliberately.

A crew from Strood had to break the door down to gain entry to the flat, but spent just minutes putting out the flames.

However they stayed at the scene for sometime in a bid to help determine the cause.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The property was empty at the time of the fire, which had started in the doorway area.

“No one was injured and we put the fire out very quickly, the property did suffer a bit of smoke damage. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.”