The cause of a devastating fire in Snodland which left dozens of residents homeless will never be known, investigators say.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) have now completed their probe into the blaze, which destroyed a block of flats at Holborough Lakes in September.

Last month they revealed the fire had begun on a third-floor balcony of a home in Pollyfield Close.

But now the fire service has ended its investigation, concluding the flats were so badly damaged that it is impossible to ascertain what caused the inferno.

Video: Investigation ends into Snodland fire, courtesy of KMTV

A fire service spokesman told Kent Online "KFRS has completed an investigation at the site of the fire, and is unable to determine a definitive cause of the fire, due to the damage on the balcony of the property where it started."

At its height, more than 100 firefighters were battling the flames. Witnesses described the terrifying moment they awoke to find the block alight, shortly before 6.30am.

One woman was taken to hospital following the blaze and 43 residents temporarily re-homed in a hotel while assessments were carried out on their homes.

It is not yet known when the flats will be rebuilt, but KFRS have said they will be assisting the developers and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council to ensure a fire like this does not happen again.