An electrical fault is thought to have started a fire at house in Sittingbourne.

Flames could be seen issuing from the bedroom window of the property on Westmoreland Drive after the blaze broke out yesterday afternoon.

Kent Fire and Rescue crews in three fire engines were sent to the scene at around 2.30pm.

They spent just under an hour tackling the flames and clearing the property of smoke.

The person living there had managed to get out before the emergency services arrived and had closed doors within the building which is thought to have reduced the amount of smoke damage.

The fire is thought to have started accidentally and firefighters are reminding the public to take care with electrical items.

They say people should only purchase products from reputable suppliers and always switch them off at the plug when they're not in use to reduce the risk of a fire.