A 23-year-old man has appeared in court on suspicion of causing a fire in the stairwell of a flat.

Brandon Jones of Thistledown, Gravesend, has been charged with one count of arson with intent to endanger life.

Police were called to the fire in Salem Place, Northfleet, at around 1am on Wednesday.

Officers attended along with Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the property was evacuated before the fire was safely extinguished.

No injuries were reported but crews had to rescue four people from the building.

Jones was arrested and charged with the offence on Thursday.

He appeared before Medway Magistrates' Court on the same day where he was remanded in custody to appear before a jury at Maidstone Crown Court on April 29.

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