A FAMILY of five avoided a suspected arson attack at their detached Gravesend home.

No-one was home when the suspicious blaze practically gutted the interior at Windsor Road.

Up to 48 firefighters were called to the scene at 12.15am on Friday, August 1.

Eight fire pumps spent more than three hours trying to bring the blaze under control.

The family were out at the time and returned to find firefighters from Thames-side, Strood, Horton Kirby, Swanscombe and Medway, battling the blaze.

Neighbours said they couldn’t believe something like this could happen in the quiet road.

Neighbour and mum of two, Bal Shokar, 37, dialled 999 when she saw smoke billowing from the house.

Mrs Shokar said: "I went to the front window and saw someone running out the drive and that’s when I phoned 999."

Police officers were called to the property at 12.25am.

A North Kent Police spokesman said: "The cause of the fire, which left the house severely damaged, is being treated as suspicious and is under investigation by both the police and fire services."

Anyone with information which may help police should telephone Det Sgt Sam Hudson-Gool at North Kent Police on 01474 366098.

Full story, see this week's Gravesend Messenger