A woman and a cat have died following a house fire.

Fire crews were called to the blaze in Sharon Crescent, Walderslade near Chatham at around 5.30pm yesterday.

Four engines attended the scene and firefighters used hose reel jets to tackle the flames.

However, a woman and a cat were pronounced dead at the scene.

The cause of the blaze has been linked to smoking materials.

Crews left the job shortly after 6.30pm.

Ambulance crews were also called to the scene shortly after 5.30pm.

A spokesperson said: “I can confirm that SECAmb were called to reports of a fire at a home in Sharon Crescent.

“Despite the efforts of all those involved, one person sadly died at the scene.”

Police have been asked for more information.