More than 40 homes in Dover were evacuated after a huge blaze ripped through a block of flats in the early hours of Easter Sunday. Two height vehicles and 12 engines were sent to the blaze, Kent Fire and Rescue Service said. A total of 24 flats were evacuated after crews assessed the situation.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown and the investigation remains ongoing. All residents were accounted for and none of them required hospitalisation, but two people were checked by parademics for smoke inhalation. A volunteer response team is now providing support for those affected and the crew on scene.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement: "Kent Fire and Rescue Service have been tackling a fire overnight involving a block of flats on Crabble Road in Dover.

"12 fire engines and two height vehicles are at the scene, where firefighters and our Technical Rescue team continue working to control and extinguish the fire.

"On arrival, crews assessed the situation and began evacuating the 42 flats. All residents were accounted for, and Dover District Council is now working to offer support and provide emergency accommodation to those affected.

"The KFRS Volunteer Response Team also attended, providing welfare support for the crew and assistance to displaced residents.

"Two people were checked over by SECAmb paramedics for smoke inhalation and investigations into the cause is ongoing."

Local resident Ellie Gibbs told KentOnline: "It is pretty heartbreaking that this has happened during the Easter holiday."

Stephen Lane added : "I could see the fire brigade with high hose jets still putting out the flames on the roof. It is terrible."

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "I was woken up by the noise at 3am and have been kept awake since. I have never seen so many fire engines and police cars in one place before."

A fourth local told the outlet: "I saw lots of smoke and lots of flashing lights from the emergency services. I don't know what happened but it looks terrible."