DETECTIVES are investigating a suspected arson attack at a house in a Kent village.

The blaze broke out at a terraced home in Villa Road at Higham, near Rochester, at about 2.30am on Friday .

The owners of the house, believed to be a couple in their 40s, were able to escape out of the bathroom window at the back of the property.

They climbed down on to a ground floor roof and made their way to safety in their neighbours back garden before the fire crews arrived.

The man suffered burns to his upper body and lower arms and the pair were both taken to Gillingham Medway Maritime Hospital suffering from in shock. Their pet parrot died from smoke inhalation.

The fire is thought to have started at the front door of the house and spread inside. There was smoke damage to the whole of the property and smoke had also travelled to the loft areas of the adjacent homes.

Kent Fire and Rescue received several emergency calls and initial reports suggested the fire had spread to two homes but this was not the case.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gravesend Area Crime Unit on 01322 283114 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. All calls to Crimestoppers are free and treated in strictest confidence.

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