POLICE are investigating what is believed to have been a petrol bomb attack on a home in Tunbridge Wells.

The incident happened at about 9.20pm on Thursday, December 16 while people were inside the house at Birch Close, on the town's Sherwood Estate.

A quick-thinking neighbour used a garden hose to douse flames, but had to be given oxygen by firefighters and first aid treatment by an ambulance crew after suffering smoke inhalation.

He did not need hospital treatment and no-one else was hurt, but police quickly cordoned off the area as they launched a hunt to find who was responsible and to try to find a motive for the attack.

What is thought to have been a bottle filled with petrol was lit and hurled at a kitchen window, shattering the outer pane of double glazing and cracking, though not penetrating, the inner pane.

The petrol set fire to the plastic window surround and heat also caused curtains inside the house to catch alight.

A neighbour, who has not been named, heard a loud bang and on seeing what had happened, used a garden hose to beat back the flames.

Leading Firefighter Dominic Moore said a crew from the fire station in Grove Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells, was at the scene within three minutes of a 999 call being made.

He said: "The neighbour's use of a hose meant the fire had been knocked back and we were able to put it out completely very quickly.

"His prompt action was commendable, though he needed oxygen to help him recover from the effects of the large amounts of smoke generated by the fire.

"However, we would normally advise people confronted by a fire to get out, stay out and call us out. We were there within three minutes of the alarm being raised."

It is understood the neighbour's property adjoins the house which was hit by the fire bomb and he was concerned that the fire might spread and threaten his family, including children.

Police are now investigating. Anyone with information about the incident should contact West Kent police on 01892 370732 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Callers to Crimestoppers do not have to leave their name.