A family of five had to be evacuated when their home caught alight in the early hours of today.

Two fire engines took an hour to tackle the blaze in Beach Approach, Warden, on the Isle of Sheppey.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus used two jets to put the flames out.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said: "All five occupants were outside on arrival and were passed into the care of South East Coast Ambulance paramedics."

They were suffering from "minor smoke inhalation."

A spokesman for SECAmb said: "We were called at 1.30am today to reports of a house fire.

"Ambulance crews attended the scene and checked a number of people for smoke inhalation before they were taken to Medway Maritime Hospital for further checks."

The fire service received the call at 1.27am and had the fire out at 2.27am. Police were also in attendance.

A police spokesman said: "We were called to Beach Approach, Warden, at 1.35am on Monday following a report of a fire.

The fire was accidental and not a result of a malicious ignition."

Kind-hearted residents have already begun offering the family emergency bedding on social media following the blaze.

Read more: All the latest news from Sheerness