An arsonist is being hunted by police after a home was torched in an early-hours attack yesterday.

Firefighters spent two hours battling a blaze in the porch extension roof of the house in Cliffe Woods.

Crews from Strood and Medway were called to Milton Avenue at about 1.50am after the homeowners were woken by a smoke alarm.

They managed to escape into their back garden and called for help after the fire broke out in the porch area of the semi-detached house.

The flames spread to the adjoining property, but firefighters managed to strip the roof of its tiles to ensure flames did not spread any further.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "The homeowner was in bed, but heard the smoke alarm and managed to get out.

"The home where the fire started has suffered a lot of smoke damage and the other has also suffered some smoke damage. The cause of the fire is being investigated."

No one has been arrested over the attack, but police are appealing for witnesses.

A Medway Police spokesman said: "Officers attended the scene and were carrying out enquiries and the incident is currently being treated as suspicious."

Anyone with any information about the fire is asked to phone police on 01622 690690.