A huge fire which ripped through a Herne Bay flat is thought to have started accidentally, investigators have revealed.

Emergency crews raced to the burning building – above the Pappadoms Indian – shortly after 4am yesterday as neighbours desperately ran from their homes.

Flames poured from the top floor flat and smoke billowed down the street as dozens of firefighters tackled the blaze.

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A fire service spokesman said the cause was "believed to be accidental."

The High Street was closed off between Station Road and Richmond Street, with the junction of Dolphin Street also restricted by a cordon.

VIDEO: Fire rips through the flat (courtesy of Phillip Royles)

Two women were treated for the effects of smoke inhalation and the High Street was shut off.

Police say they were called at around 4.20am but at this stage are not treating the cause of the fire as suspicious.

Simon Cursons, 32, lives in the neighbouring flat and was woken by his fire alarm.

Speaking at 7.30am, he said: “I was sound asleep when it started ringing at about 4.30am.

“I could see the smoke and at first thought the flat below us was on fire. I thought I might have to jump.

Blaze rips through High Street flat

“I ran downstairs and the smoke was blowing down the street. The flames were massive. There were sparks coming out of the window.”

Cassie Gill lives in a property opposite the restaurant and her partner Phillip Royles was staying with her at the time.

Mr Royles said this morning: “My partner woke up and we looked out the window and all I can describe it as is bright orange.

“The glass was still in the frame of the windows of the flat but then it started smashing out. It was really panicky.

“It was so windy this morning as well and it’s lucky that the property was on the corner of the street. If the wind was blowing the other way, it would’ve swept through the next door properties.

“When we opened the window we could feel the heat straight away. It was scary.”

VIDEO: Flames are seen engulfing the building

Two specialist height vehicles were among the fire engines used to tackle the blaze, with police and paramedics also on the scene.

Crews remained at the scene for several hours after the blaze broke out.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said the first floor flat and roof have been left severely damaged and an investigation is due to be carried out later to establish the cause.

VIDEO: Emergency crews at the scene

Neighbouring properties were checked for fire spread and people were warned to close all their windows and doors.

Red Cross volunteers were also called to help those affected by the fire.