Bomb disposal experts were again called out to a house after more firearms and ammunition was discovered inside following a fire.

Officers investigating at the house, have spent several days there unearthing more finds after a quantity of firearms were found at the house on Sunday afternoon after the blaze.

Police were called to help crews from Kent Fire and Rescue Service after the broke out in the property in Nelson Road, Gillingham at about 1.45pm.

Officers closed the road as firefighters tackled the flames and antique guns were later discovered inside the house.

A quantity of ammunition was also recovered, but officers have not revealed how many firearms were found.

A pensioner in his 70s was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a certificate.

A police spokesman said: “While at the scene a number of antique, replica and unlicensed firearms were uncovered.

An explosive ordnance disposal team were also called to the scene as a precaution.”

The bomb disposal team were still in attendance, along with three police cars, yesterday evening (Tuesday) and officers were still at the property today carrying out investigations.

Four crews were sent to the property and firefighters spent two hours at the scene fighting the flames.

It is understood the owners had gone out for a meal at a nearby restaurant and the emergency services were alerted when a relative, who lives in the same street, spotted smoke coming from the house.

When crews arrived they thought it was a chimney fire because so much smoke was coming from the chimney but discovered the flames had spread into the loft from a bedroom at the back of the house. They needed to use a height vehicle to tackle the blaze.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said there was severe fire damage to the bedroom and loft.

Other rooms suffered smoke damage and the ground floor suffered water damage.

The owner returned to the house while crews were still there and told them she thought the fire may have been caused by a problem with the wiring to a fish tank in the bedroom.

Police said the bomb disposal squad was asked to return on Tuesday as a precaution after officers found more weapons.

The pensioner arrested has been bailed, pending further inquiries, until May 29.

DI Susan Smith, from Kent Police, said: "Residents may have seen a continued police presence at a property in Nelson Road, Gillingham, following a fire on Sunday, May 7.

"The fire revealed a number of antique, replica and unlicensed firearms and a thorough search of the property is now taking place.

"This is standard procedure and helps ensure our investigation is as comprehensive as it can be. It can however mean that searches go on for a number of days.

"I would like to reassure the community that there is no evidence to suggest anyone is at risk of harm."