A family is reaching out for help with a fundraiser after their home was destroyed by a fire.

The blaze ripped through the house in Mereworth, near Maidstone in the early hours of Sunday, destroying a large part of the property, including the roof.

One adult suffered burns and two adults and a child were treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.

Firefighters also managed to rescue two cats from the property.

Next door neighbour, Catherine Thomas, said her husband woke up to a loud bang in the middle of the night. Thinking there had been a crash, he ventured outside to investigate.

Alex Thomas then discovered the front, first floor window had exploded, and huge flames were engulfing the property in The Street.

Mrs Thomas said: "My husband started banging on the front door to wake up the family, and then told me and my two children to get out.

"We went over to a neighbours house and watched as the firefighters arrived and the family were helped out of a window using a ladder.

"It was really horrible for everyone but terrible for the family. We're just glad everyone got out safely."

The home belongs to the Hodges family, whose members have set up a GoFundMe page.

Douglas Bratt, 89, whose house looks directly onto the back of the Hodges' house said he watched as another neighbour attempted to extinguish the flames before the fire service arrived.

His wife, Rita, said: "At one point the smoke was so thick that we couldn't see anything out of the window at all. We've never seen anything quite like it in all the 50 years we've lived here."

Emergency services were called at 12.30am, and four fire engines, a height vehicle and KFRS’ Volunteer Response Team were among those who attended.

The fire is believed to have started in a bedroom on the first floor, but the cause is not yet known.

Crews donned breathing apparatus and used two main jets, two hose reel jets and water from a hydrant to tackle the blaze on the first floor, which had spread into the roof space.

They were there until just after 5am.

In the GoFundMe post, the family write: "In the early hours of Sunday, unfortunately, our family home in Mereworth was decimated to nothing by a fire.

"Everyone, including the baby and the two cats have survived which we are all beyond grateful and blessed to be able to say.

"It has however taken with it absolutely all belongings, clothes and sentimental items which will never be able to be replaced.

"If anyone knows our family, reaching out for help is the last thing we would want to do, but as the younger siblings, we have come together to help mum, dad and Sam get back on track, living without a house in the meantime, while insurance follows up and the house can be rebuilt again in months to come.

"We have been overwhelmed with support and people offering help which we are truly grateful for.

"We never expected to experience something like this and really are so lucky to have everyone escaped relatively unharmed.

"Any contributions whatsoever to reduce the burden would be hugely appreciated at this time."

The post is written on behalf of Lyn, Graeme and Sam Hodges and was set up by younger members of the family.

So far, more than £2,000 has been raised in less than 24 hours.

If you would like to make a donation, please click here

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