A van explosion jolted residents out of bed this morning after a suspected arson attack.

Emergency services were called to Colyer Road, Northfleet, near Gravesend at 2.15am to the vehicle which was alight.

One fire engine attended to put out the blaze, which is being treated as suspicious.

There were no reported injuries.

One resident who witnessed the fire said it "sounded like bonfire night" when the van exploded.

They praised the police and fire service for their speedy response.

Elizabeth Saunders lived at the house the van was outside of.

She said: "It sounded like someone was having problems with their car and beeping a horn constantly but we looked out and saw the flames.

"There was a lot of bangs, not just the one explosion.

"We ended up waiting out the back as we were worried there could be an even bigger explosion and it'd damage the house."

Police spokesman Andy Saunders said: "We were called at 2.30am to a report of a van on fire in Colyer Road, Northfleet.

"The incident was attended by officers and the fire service and is being treated as suspicious."

Anyone with information can call Kent Police on 01474 366149 quoting crime reference 46/208593/19.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or using the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend