A huge fire which engulfed a block of flats in Snodland, forcing residents to flee for their lives, started on a balcony it has emerged.

An investigation has found the blaze broke out on the third floor of a home in Pollyfield Close on the Holborough Lakes estate.

But Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) say the probe into what caused it has been hampered by the extent of the damage.

One woman was taken to hospital following the blaze, last Saturday, and 43 residents have been temporarily re-homed in a hotel while assessments are carried out on their homes.

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.

Today a fire service spokesman said: "At this stage we are not able to determine the cause of the fire as the investigation has not concluded.

"The extent of damage has meant that the ability to carry out physical excavations has been extremely limited. However, there have been a number of video and social media images supplied, alongside witness statements from local residents that has enabled fire investigators to view the fire in the very early stages to verify a number of areas.

"We are all aiming to conclude the investigation as quickly as possible, but at this stage we are not able to give a date for completion."

Officers will continue working with the block's owners and Tonbridge and Malling's building control department to examine whether a further probe is needed into how the buildings performed during the fire.

It is not being treated as suspicious, but KFRS are continuing to liaise with the police as part of the investigation.