acole@thekmgroup.co.uk

Firefighters and police are carrying out a joint investigation after a house was badly damaged by fire last night.

The blaze in the two-storey house in Beaconsfield Road, Tovil, Maidstone, started at just after 9pm.

Four fire crews and an aerial appliance were called and jets, a hydrant and breathing apparatus were used to bring it under control.

No-one was in the property at the time, but three people living in a neighbouring house had to stay with friends and family overnight.

Police and fire officers are at the scene today carrying out an investigation to determine the cause.