Six people needed medical treatment after a fire broke out in a block of flats near Minnis Bay.

Four fire engines were called to a blaze in the first-floor flat in a six-storey building in Mckinlay Court, Birchington, just before 6am.

Firefighters wore breathing apparatus as they got the flames under control.

All of the flats had to be evacuated and one elderly resident was led to safety from a neighbouring property.

Six others needed attention from ambulance crews after breathing in smoke.

The British Red Cross and the fire service's volunteer response team also helped residents.

Firefighters left the scene at just before 8am but the flat was left severely damaged and the cause of the blaze is still unknown.

Two other flats suffered smoke damage.

A police spokesman added: "Kent Police was made aware of a fire in a property at 5.58am on Wednesday 8 February.

"Officers attended to assist Kent Fire and Rescue Service at the scene in Mckinlay Court, Birchington."