A smoke alarm saved a Sheppey family after fire broke out in their home last night.

Firefighters were called at 11.06pm to a house in Victory Street, Sheerness, and tackled a blaze in a first- floor bedroom.

The residents had heard a smoke alarm sounding upstairs and, on discovering there was a fire, quickly shut the bedroom door, left the house and raised the alarm.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus entered the terraced house and used a hose reel to put out the fire. They also used a thermal imaging camera to ensure the flames were fully extinguished.

The blaze is believed to have been caused by an iron which had been left on accidentally and set fire to nearby clothing and textiles.

Sheppey crew manager Jim Ashby said: "Fortunately the smoke alarm gave the family an early warning so they could call us and we were able to contain the fire to the bedroom.”

He said: "The family did exactly the right thing in shutting the bedroom door and getting out of the property. This helped reduce the amount of smoke and fire damage to their home and reduced the risk of being injured or breathing in smoke.

"This incident highlights just how important it is to have working smoke alarms fitted on each floor of your home. Without them the incident could have been far more severe."

He added: "I would urge residents to check theirs are working today and test them weekly. I would also remind residents to take extra care with electrical items and ensure they are switched off after use."

The bedroom suffered fire, water and smoke damage.