by Keyan Milanian and Jo Sword

Two men were taken to hospital after a fire broke out in a house in Rainham.

One of the men had to be rescued by firefighters following the blaze, which started in the detached property in Henry Street at around 3.30am Saturday.

Both of the men were suffering from smoke inhalation and shock, according to a spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

Two other people escaped unhurt. Members of the Red Cross were also at the scene.

The spokesman said it is thought the fire started in a first-floor bedroom although could not confirm whether an electrical appliance or fault had caused the blaze.

The occupants are believed to have returned to the house to reclaim personal items but are unable to live there at present.

A firefighter added: "There is an ongoing investigation into how the fire started.

"This fire was discovered by someone in the building who could smell smoke. There was an alarm downstairs but it was not sounding when we arrived."

Two crews from Medway fire station and one from Rainham went to the scene and returned to the station at about 6am Saturday.