A man who died in a blaze believed to have been started deliberately has been named.

Kaspars Ajuts, 48, was dragged from his home in Marsham Street last night after a blaze broke out in the attic.

Despite the efforts of fire crews and paramedics he was pronounced dead at the scene.

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A 38-year-old man, who is believed to have been known to the victim, was arrested on suspicion of arson and remains in custody.

A woman and another man, thought to be the victim's wife and son, were taken to hospital, where the man remains with injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening. The woman has now been discharged.

Next door neighbour Karen Hickman dialled 999 after smoke started billowing into her upstairs room and then watches as paramedics attempted to resuscitate the man.

The 57-year-old, who lives in the house with her daughter, daughter's boyfriend and 18-month-old granddaughter, said a family lives in the house and have been there for about three years.

She said: "I knocked on the door and the son answered, he had frazzled hair and burns on his arms and at first slammed the door shut before opening it again. I said I was going to phone the fire brigade and he told me his dad was in a room but couldn't say where.

"He came out, followed by his mum and a third man, who I think is a friend and was covered from head to toe in soot — he looked like a chimney sweep."

Fire crews later broke the door down and dragged the father out. He died at the scene.

She added: "A fire man came in to our house and said it was safe to stay there. It doesn't bear thinking about what would have happened if it had happened at night."

A report of Mr Ajuts death has been passed to the coroner.

Video: The scene of the fire

Anyone with information, who has not yet spoken to police is asked to call 01622 604100, quoting reference 26-0976. Alternatively call Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.