A community is rallying to help the victims of a devastating fire.

Smoke could be seen billowing from a home in Vidgeon Avenue near Hoo following the blaze, at 4.15pm on Monday.

Residents were able to warn the owners after hearing a large explosion come from the garage, but in a matter of minutes the bungalow was engulfed in flames.

Fire crews were on the scene swiftly and by 7pm the fire was out. But when the smoke cleared, it was clear major damage had been done to the home, with most of the roof destroyed.

Now residents of the street are banding together to help in any way they can, collecting clothes, food and money for the owners.

Louise McDonagh, who lives on the road, started a WhatsApp group earlier this year hoping to raise support the owners of another bungalow fire.

The 42-year-old is now using the group, which has grown in size, to find support from those in need once again.

The mother-of-two said: “Loads of people have offered to help. I personally have felt like I could do more but I think they’re is only so much you could do.

“People are saying they are positive but it's obviously a tragic thing that’s happened.”

At the time of writing the community has raised around £725.

Ms MdConagh, who works for the Diocese of Rochester, continued: “It’s nothing really when you’ve lost your whole house but yeah it’s good to get the community together.”

Since the fire, Louise said the owners were the target of a burglary, having cash and pieces of jewellery stolen.

“If I knew it was going to be burgled I would’ve sat up there all night,” she said.

“It just makes me glad we’ve started this fundraiser.”

Another person helping to raise money is 31-year-old Hazel McCarthy.

She said: “When it happened I sent a text saying ‘help needed’ to WhatsApp and then immediately people came out of their house looking to help.

“We’re just hoping to get them back on their feet but looking at the house it may be a while.

“Someone said as well they were robbed which just makes it worse. When you think the worst has happened it gets worse.

“We’re just hoping to for as much help as possible but as it's getting to winter we’re going to need as much as possible.”

Anyone wishing to offer their help can donate money to a special PayPal account.

A spokesman for the fire service said: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports a garage alight in Vidgeon Avenue, in Hoo, Rochester.

“Control operators sent five fire engines and a height vehicle to the scene, where crews wearing breathing apparatus worked to extinguish the flames, which had spread to the roof space of a bungalow.

“No injuries were reported, and KFRS’ volunteer response team was on-hand to provide support and advice to affected residents.

“The cause is not yet known.”