TWO people fled for their lives from a house fire which police believe was started deliberately.

They managed to escape unharmed from the building in the High Street, St Margaret's, near Dover, after the fire broke out around midnight.

Firefighters from Dover, St Margaret’s and Eastry tackled the blaze, some wearing breathing apparatus, and did not leave the scene until 4am.

"The building has been gutted by the fire and when we got there it was well alight," said sub officer Tony Northcott, who attended the scene.

While the building has been virtually destroyed by the fire, police say the outcome could have been much worse.

"The occupants were fortunate to have escaped from the blaze without harm, as the outcome could have been tragic,” said Det Chief Insp Tony Kofkin.

"We are investigating several motives for this arson and believe the premises may have been targeted deliberately."

At the height of the blaze, flames could be seen from other parts of the village.

Fred Perry, who runs the Hope Inn, further along the High Street, said: "I could see the flames coming up from downstairs and going up – then the roof caught alight. The building went up very quickly. I suppose because it is an old building. I think the High Street is now going to be closed off for several days."

The ground floor of the building, which is opposite the Smuggler’s Inn, used to be a shop but had been converted into a house.

Anyone with any information about the fire is asked to contact Dover Crime Unit on 01304 240055.