A MOTHER and child fled from their Maidstone flat early today after an electrical fault caused their television to catch fire.

Firefighters were called to the scene at Midhurst Court, Mote Road, at about 6.20am and were told by the family that their pet rat was still inside.

The firemen, wearing breathing apparatus, went into the flat to rescue the animal. It was handed out over the balcony to other firefighters on an extension ladder.

Firefighter David Perks said: "We were able to extinguish the flames pretty quickly but there was quite a lot of smoke damage to the property. We were relieved to find the flat was only on the first floor, which made things easier."

Two pumps and a turntable ladder from Maidstone and a a third pump from Larkfield Fire Station were at the scene..

Firefighter Perks said: "To cut down on the smoke damage and help stop the fire from spreading, people should always close the doors on any fires.

"But this family did the right thing in not going back for the rat. Once out, don't go back in, that's the rule."