An NHS worker has been left homeless after a huge fire broke out in the flat above her home.

Julie Tickner and husband John had been asleep in their flat in Ethelbert Road in Minnis Bay when they were awoken by a big explosion just after 7am today and saw glass on the floor outside.

When Mr Tickner, 57, went to investigate he saw flames pouring out from the property above.

The couple fled their flat and could only look on in horror as firefighters battled the blaze, with water from the hoses pouring down into their home.

"Our flat has substantial water damage - it could be six months before we can move back in," said Mrs Tickner.

"We've got nowhere to live, we're homeless. We're waiting to hear from our landlord to find out what we can do and speak to someone about being given emergency accommodation.

"We're going to have to throw furniture out and all our things, too."

The 50-year-old, who works for the NHS supporting people who have just been discharged from hospital, says she is devastated.

"We've lived there for over 10 years," she said.

"We've got fish in the pond and in a tank which we will need to re-home.

"My cat's gone missing because we had to quickly get him out when we realised what was happening."

The couple paid tribute to the emergency services and the community for rallying round to help them in the aftermath.

"The fire brigade were brilliant, 100% marks to them," said Mr Tickner.

"And the community were great. They all came out of their houses and made us drinks - they really came together for us.

"The Red Cross gave me clothes. We can't thank them all enough."

The couple now have the agonising wait to find out if they have anywhere to stay as they try to pick up the remnants of what's left of their things.

Six fire engines and a height vehicle were called at 7.25am to the fire which engulfed both the second and third floors of the three-storey building.

One man was treated for minor burns.

An investigation is under way into how the fire started.

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