Seafront care home fire thought to be accidental

A fire at a seafront care home in Kent is thought to be accidental and caused by an electrical fault, according to the fire service.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said it responded to a blaze on the second floor of The Laleham care home in Herne Bay, which started at 08:20 GMT on Sunday.

Eight fire engines attended the scene at Central Parade and 56 residents were evacuated, the service said.

A Kent fire spokesperson said at 15:00 that firefighting operations had ended and the flames extinguished at the home.

The fire started on the second floor and had spread to the roof space, the service said.

A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesperson said one person had been treated by paramedics and taken to hospital.

Kent Police said it was assisting the fire service with the response.

The care home has been contacted for comment.

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