POLICE and fire chiefs are investigating a blaze which broke out at a semi-detached house in Dynevor Road at High Brooms, Tunbridge Wells. They say arson has not been ruled out.

Fire crews from Tunbridge Wells and Southborough raced to the scene shortly before 10pm on Wednesday and were joined by a second crew from Tunbridge Wells soon afterwards.

Sub Officer John Wheeler, who was in charge of the operation, said: "When we arrived flames were shooting out of a front downstairs window. There was an orange ball of fire coming out of the property.

"The house was unoccupied but there was concern a woman might still be in the house next door. Firefighters had to break into the property to check, but it was later found she had already escaped."

Almost 20 firefighters using a main jet, two hose reel jets and four sets of breathing apparatus tackled the blaze, which had spread throughout the house.

Sub Officer Wheeler added: "The heat was intense, so much so that it took all the plaster off the interior walls.

He added: "The crews did an excellent job, with full time and retained firefighters working efficiently alongside each other to get the fire out."

The incident took some three hours to deal with, and firefighters returned during the early hours to double check no further problems had arisen.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact West Kent police on 01732 370732 or to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.