A family has been placed in temporary accommodation after a house was severely damaged following an explosion in a residential street in Strood.

Another family staying in a house next door, which was less severely damaged, has also been "affected" but has not been put up in temporary accommodation by Medway Council.

Emergency services descended on Smetham Gardens following the incident, which happened just before midday.

Images show extensive damage to the top floor of a house in the road.

Fire and ambulance services attended the scene, but have now departed.

Miraculously, there have not been any reported injuries.

A fire spokeswoman said: "Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of an explosion within a property in Smetham Gardens in Rochester.

"Two fire engines attended and while there was no sign of fire, the blast had caused considerable damage to the building.

"There were no reported injuries and the cause of the explosion is not yet known. Duty of care was handed to the local authority building inspector, and Kent Police also attended."

A spokesman for Medway Council said the properties were owned by Orbit housing association.

She said the council was undertaking action to make the buildings secure with fencing.

Orbit said it would be conducting a "a full investigation" into what happened.

David Boden, director of property services, said: "Our initial response has been to ensure that our residents are safe and being looked after. Temporary accommodation has been found for them and the property has been made secure.

"We are working closely with local authorities to understand the cause of the incident and will be conducting a full investigation."

Read more: All the latest news from Medway