A MOTHER and her baby daughter were rescued from their burning second floor flat in Gillingham early today after fire broke out in the hallway.

The pair were found by firefighters cowering in a back bedroom of the property in James Street. They were brought out safely at about 3.30am.

A spokesman for Medway Fire Station said: "The emergency call stated there were persons trapped as the fire was blocking the only entrance.

"Apparently some neighbours on the same floor tried to gain entry to the property but were unable to get in.

"Firefighters Peter Coughlan and Graham Payne broke down the door and ran in an snatched the pair from the back bedroom.

"The cause of the fire is not yet known, but it looks extremely suspicious."

It is not thought the woman, who is in her late 20s, and the 18-month-old toddler needed hospital treatment.

The fire broke out in the passageway behind the woman's front door. A spokesman for Medway Police said: "I can confirm we are investigating the cause of the fire."