A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a pensioner was taken to hospital following a fire at a Sheerness flat last night.

The victim was rescued by firefighters after the blaze broke out at a property in Strode Crescent at about 11pm.

Police said a 36-year-old Sheerness man has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in custody.

Three fire engines were called to the mid-terrace property after the blaze broke out on the ground and first floors.

Crews used jets and breathing apparatus to tackle the flames before leaving the scene at 1am.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Fire and Rescue Service had to rescue an elderly man from the property.

"Officers remain at the scene and have commenced an investigation into the circumstances around the fire."

The elderly man is believed to have suffered from the effects of breathing in smoke.

Neighbour Tracey Williams said: "The fire was bad. There was black smoke everywhere.

"We went out the front and the man at the back of mine - his flat was all smoked out.

"I haven't got a clue how it happened. They got an elderly gentlemen out and he had to go to hospital. I haven't heard how he is."

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the cause of the blaze is under investigation.

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