A 27-year-old man is helping police with their enquiries following a fire in Ramsgate town centre early today.

The blaze severely damaged a basement flat at Hardres Street, where the man is said to have lived. Neighbouring ground floor properties were also damaged in the fire.

A spokeswoman for Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Service said that the Red Cross helped several families from neighbouring buildings.

The fire was reported at 5.15am and police and fire officers are investigating the cause.