Firefighters worked through the night with inspectors to find the cause of a fire which made three families homeless.

Crews in four engines attended the blaze, in the three newly-built homes, in Cornfield Row, Deal, at 7.15pm last night after reports of a lawnmower fire in the car port of a property.

The flames quickly spread to the car and then the car port, before advancing to the properties joined by the car port.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) spokesman said: "On arrival crews found the roof of each property alight and the rapid fire growth meant each property suffered extensive fire and water damage.

"Crews worked hard to tackle the blaze using breathing apparatus, main jets and hose reel jets.

"Defensive firefighting by the crews, using compressed air foam system, meant they prevented the blaze from spreading to the roof space of a third property.

"Although that property did suffer minor external damage. There were no reported injuries."

Neighbours, who have described it as a tragedy, have rallied to help the families affected.

A just giving page has already been set up to raise £1,000. So far it has raised £265.

Rebecca Wild, who started it, has written: "I do not know the people who have just lost their homes, but as a community we should help them."

A KFRS spokesman continued: "A full investigation will be conducted once the buildings are deemed safe to enter.

"It is believed the fire was accidental and began in the lawnmower.

"Red cross volunteers and KFRS' volunteer response team were also sent to the scene to help with emotional and welfare support."

At 10.46pm, crews finished at the scene damping down and turning over any hot spots.

They were also working with a building inspector to check for structural instability.

The homes affected were built less than two years ago.

They were part of a 230-home development by Persimmon Homes, situated off Church Lane.