ELEVEN of the 12 families affected by last week's fire at flats in the Murston area of Sittingbourne are now back in their homes.

Arsonists are suspected of starting the blaze at Oak Tree House, Woodberry Drive.

Lisa Adams had to throw her two young children to safety before jumping onto a mattress from her first floor window. A man also leapt to safety from the window of the Swale Housing Association home.

Housing director Sarah Wright said this week: "The property where the fire occurred has suffered substantial and extensive damage, which will take a long time to repair.

"Neighbours should not experience any inconvenience or disturbance as a result of these long term repair works.

"One other property suffered minimal damage and we are taking action to carry out these repairs as soon as possible.

"The police investigation into the cause of this fire is ongoing and we are continuing to co-operate with this in any way we can."

* Four Sittingbourne men aged between 21 and 37 being questioned in connection with the blaze have been bailed pending further inquiries. The fire happened early last Wednesday.