A fire tore through a derelict terraced house in a suspected arson attack.

Flames could be seen coming through the roof of the empty property in Skinner Street, Gillingham, on Monday evening.

One witness was just along the road with her sons when she realised something was on fire and rang 999.

She said: "I thought it was bigger than a barbecue.

"By the time we got there, which was only a minute's walk, there was a gentleman knocking neighbours' doors to make them aware."

The fire service said the alarm was raised at 6.57pm and video footage from just nine minutes later shows flame bursting out of a skylight in the roof.

Seven fire engines and a height vehicle were sent and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus put out the blaze and prevented it from spreading to neighbouring properties.

Members of the fire service's volunteer response team were also there to offer advice and support to residents.

A fire service spokesman added: "No injuries were reported and it’s believed the fire was started deliberately."

The last crews left at about 9.15pm.

The witness added: "It felt like the Great Fire of London. People were knocking on the houses next door to come outside."

"My little boy kept on asking where the family of a little crying boy will be sleeping now."