NINE people were dramatically rescued from a flame-filled flat after a suspected arson attack on Tuesday.

The fire started in the basement of a flat in Parrock Street, Gravesend, at around 1.30am.

Police that happened to be patrolling in the area saw smoke pouring from the windows with the trapped occupants leaning out.

Three on the second-floor had to be lifted down a ladder by fire fighters, while six others, including four children were rescued from the ground floor.

No one was injured.