Firefighters have confirmed the origin of a blaze which took over a block of flats and saw dozens of residents flee their homes.

Police, fire crews and paramedics were all called to the fire at Conqueror House in Crabble Hill, Dover, on Sunday, April 20.

A total 57 people in 38 flats where evacuated, with firefighters remaining at the block until 7.30pm the following day.

Two people were checked over by paramedics for smoke inhalation and an investigation was launched.

Now, the origin of the blaze has been revealed; it was started in the bin store.

A fire spokesman said: "Investigations confirm the origin of the fire was in the area of the bin store.

“Investigations are ongoing and the cause is unknown pending further lines of enquiries by Kent Police, which we will support.

"The fire is confirmed to have occurred at one block, Conqueror House, and affected multiple flats. The full extent of damage is being ascertained.”

At the blaze’s peak, 12 fire engines and a height vehicle were needed.

Crews had to be at the scene for more than 30 hours putting out the flames and damping down.

The block’s landlord, Town and Country Housing (TCH), says it is still arranging long term accommodation for the displaced tenants, looking to rehome 37 households.

The occupant of the 38th has now moved in with a partner and is no longer a tenant of TCH.

The block has a total 42 flats but the remaining four had been unoccupied.

The displaced tenants are currently staying in hotels.

A TCH spokesperson said: “We’ve continued to meet and support residents in the aftermath of the fire. Part of this is to understand their immediate and future housing needs.

“We have a growing list of properties that are, or will soon be, available from our own homes as well as those from other housing providers.

“We will start to contact residents individually about alternative accommodation.

“However, it could take some time before we’re able to re-house everyone.”

TCH added it was cooperating with police and fire investigations into the fire, and has appointed surveyors to check the building to understand the extent of the damage and what work is needed.

A fundraising page has seen £2,968 collected for the victims.

Conqueror House and the neighbouring Watermark House were created as flats in 2013 in place of the former Buckland Paper Mill.