A MAN and woman had to flee their home after a fire at a car lot came dangerously close to their flat.

Firefighters and police officers were called to the premises of Sales of Northfleet in The Hill following the arson attack on Saturday. Nine cars were damaged in the blaze that started at around 10.30pm.

The cars were parked outside the premises and along an alleyway at the side. A number of the cars also had damaged windscreens.

The man and the woman had to climb out of their kitchen window as the fire raged near their front door.

The man cut his arm as he climbed out and needed treatment at Darent Valley Hospital.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police on 01474 565220 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 – calls to this number are free and may be treated in the strictest of confidence.