Kent Fire and Rescue Service are warning residents to test their alarms after they responded to a kitchen fire at a flat in Gillingham this morning.

Strood, Chatham and Hoo fire stations all sent fire engines to Davenport Avenue after receiving the call at 3:50am.

They used hose reels and breathing apparatus to extinguish the blaze, as well as thermal imaging and pressure ventilation to ensure the flat was cleared of smoke.

The stop time was 4:17am.

There were no injuries, although the resident was treated by ambulance crews for smoke inhalation after escaping via the window before emergency services arrived.

A cooker left on by accident is believed to have caused the fire, and KFRS are advising residents to have a smoke alarm fitted on each floor of their home and test them weekly.