The body of a man was discovered inside the remains of his home following a devastating fire on Christmas Eve, it has emerged.

Police say the blaze in Sunnyside Road, Sandgate, near Folkestone, is not being treated as suspicious.

But officers have confirmed an elderly man was found dead inside the address.

During the incident, residents were advised to keep their doors and windows shut to prevent smoke inhalation.

Meanwhile, crews in eight fire engines and a bulk water carrier fought back the flames, as the fire raged until after 10pm.

Crews remained at the scene until 9am on Christmas Day, when advice to close windows and doors was lifted.

A police spokesman told KentOnline: “We were called at about 5.10pm on December 24 to assist the fire service at the scene of a fire at a residential address in Sunnyside Road in Sandgate, Folkestone.

“A man in his 70s was confirmed deceased at the scene.

"The fire is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.”

In a statement, the fire service said the cause of the fire is "indeterminate".