Firefighters have stopped a house fire spreading to neighbouring properties in Chatham this morning.

Three fire engines were called to Chatham Grove, off Palmerston Road, after a fire was reported in the second floor bedroom of a house at 7.15am.

Initial reports suggested people were in the property but everyone was out by the time crews arrived and firefighters carried out a full search of the house.

The fire spread to the roof before being contained.

Crews also used thermal imaging equipment in neighbouring properties to check for hotspots.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known and an investigation is expected to follow.

Police and ambulance crews were also in attendance.