A freak electrical fault caused a fire which damaged a pensioner's car last night.

Firefighters believe a spark began in the seatbelt tensioner of a Citroen Saxo in Hoo.

The device is used to keep the seatbelt strapped back if the car stops suddenly.

Crews were alerted at 10.30pm yesterday and found the interior of the car on fire on a driveway outside a bungalow in Main Road, Hoo.

A woman in her 80s who was believed to be in the house was uninjured.

Marc Rosier, watch manager at Strood Fire Station, said: "There was a risk it could have spread to the bungalow so we sent two crews.

"We have had electrical faults on vehicles before, so this was not as uncommon as some people may think."