Two rescued from blaze at flats

One man who was calling for help from a first floor window was rescued using a ladder. A second male was led to safety from inside the building.

Both were treated at the scene by ambulance crews and taken to hospital.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze was in a ground floor flat in Hayle Road, Maidstone. A neighbouring property was evacuated as a precaution.

Smoke damage

Fire crews were called out at about 0515 GMT on New Year's Day.

Station manager Dickie Baugh said: "Upon arrival we found a well developed fire on the ground floor.

"The fire had spread from a flat to the communal corridor, while severe smoke logging affected the rest of the building."

Police officers also closed off Hayle Road while the incident was dealt with.

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