A fire has ripped through a three-storey house in Rectory Road, Broadstairs.

Crews had to use breathing gear and hose reel and main jets to bring the flames under control and prevent the blaze from spreading to neighbouring properties.

It broke out at around 6.35pm and five fire engines were sent to the scene.

Video footage online shows smoke billowing out of every window in the property and the outside walls blackened.

The are reports an elderly couple live at the property, but it is not known if they were at home at the time.

A police spokesman said: "Officers are currently at the scene of a fire in a property in Rectory Road, Broadstairs, assisting Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

"The road remains closed at this time."