by Martin Jefferies

People living in a block of flats in a Kent seaside town were forced to flee their homes after a fire overnight.

The blaze in St Mildred's Road, Westgate-on-Sea, broke out at around 11.45pm on Friday.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service sent six crews to the scene. Some firefighters wore breathing apparatus as they battled to bring the fire under control.

The ground floor and exterior parts of the four-storey building were most severely damaged.

All residents were accounted for and there were no reported injuries, although volunteers from the British Red Cross attended to offer emotional support.