Firefighters are investigating the cause of a "potentially suspicious" flat fire last night.

Two fire engines attended Bower Place, in Maidstone, following a call at 10pm telling them a first-floor flat was on fire in a three-storey building.

An ambulance was also called to the scene and paramedics treated a man suffering from the effects of breathing in smoke.

One man who witnessed the scene said: "The mid terrace ragstone cottage was well ablaze, with smoke pouring out of the top floor.

"Eventually the fire service managed to get the fire under control by hosing it from outside, then two firemen went in and you could see them dousing the flames upstairs to finish the job. The top floor of the building is visibly wrecked, and so is the roof."

The cause of the fire is currently unknown but a fire service spokesman said it could be suspicious.

Kent Police were also in attendance.