Several pets were killed when a fire ripped through a house in Tunbridge Wells while the owners were out.

Firefighters confirmed a number of guinea pigs, a rabbit, and a tortoise did not survive the blaze, which destroyed 80 per cent of the ground floor.

The first floor of the semi-detached house in Green Way was also severely damaged by heat and smoke as crews wearing breathing apparatus battled to bring it under control.

It broke out at around 6.30pm and three fire engines containing around 13 firefighters were sent to the scene.

The fire was out just after 7pm and crews remained at the scene until close to 8pm damping down and also cleared smoke from a neighbouring property.

A Kent Fire and Rescue service spokesman said the blaze was believed to have been caused by a “heat lamp”.