An electrical fault in a cupboard is thought to have been the cause of a fire at a block of flats during the early hours of this morning.

Three fire engines and a height vehicle were sent out to the high-rise block of flats in Pearl Lane, near Victory Pier in Gillingham at about 4.45am.

The fire had broken out in a cupboard in a home on the second floor of the building, off Pier Road, and the occupant had attempted to put out the flames and then left the home which was filled with smoke.

Firefighters from Rochester, Strood and Chatham fire stations and the height vehicle from Maidstone, were sent to the scene and the fire was said to be smouldering when they arrived and isolated the electricity supply.

Crews used a thermal imaging camera to see if there was any hidden heat spots and cut away part of the wall to expose cabling to ensure the fire had not spread and was out.

No one was injured during the incident and before leaving the crews did checks on neighbouring properties.

The ventilation system in the high-rise helped clear the smoke from the flat.