A TORTOISE had to be rescued from its flaming hutch last night (Tuesday).

Thames-side fire crews were called to the house in Coldharbour Road, Northfleet, at 9.15pm after the owners reported that the hutch, in a garden shed, had caught fire.

A spokesman said they rescued the tortoise and the owner rushed it to a vet.

He added that the fire was started by a faulty heater.