A police helicopter was called in to search for a man who allegedly set fire to his hostel room before fleeing.

Fire crews were called to The Quays hostel, Crown Quay Lane, Sittingbourne, at 12.37pm today.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus used a short extension ladder and hose reel jets to control the fire at the first floor unit.

The blaze was quickly under control, the flat was damaged by the fire, heat and smoke.

Six police cars and an ambulance were also called to the scene.

It is believed the man had barricaded himself in the room before jumping out of a window.

The chopper circled Sittingbourne town centre for three hours looking for the man.