FIRE chiefs and police have launched an investigation after a house was targeted by arsonists.

The occupants of the property, in Silverbank, Chatham, managed to get themselves to safety as the fire took hold.

However, one man who suffered slight smoke inhalation was taken to Gillingham's Medway Maritime Hospital for treatment.

Firefighters and police were called out to the home at about 2.30am on Sunday. A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “The fire had taken quite a hold when we arrived.

“We had to smash some downstairs windows to gain access to the flames. There is a lot of damage to the home, and we were on scene for about an hour making sure all the flames were out.”

A spokesman for Medway Police confirmed they were investigating the cause of the fire.