Firefighters smashed their way into a house today after an old vacuum cleaner sparked a blaze beneath the stairs.

A neighbour called 999 after hearing a fire alarm sounding in the two-storey home in Cordingham Close, Seasalter, at about 4.30pm.

The house was empty so crews forced their way in and found the property filled with smoke.

A small fire was discovered under the stairs and was quickly extinguished.

The blaze is thought to have originated in the dust container of an ageing vacuum cleaner.

Fire crews believe its age contributed to overheating, which set fire to the dust and debris inside the appliance.

Following the call-out, Kent Fire and Rescue Service urged people to remember that a working and well-maintained smoke alarm can save lives.