Residents of a Swanley home woke to discover flames spreading into their hallway after their front door was set alight in a suspected arson attack.

The occupants of the property on Apple Orchard were stirred by the sound of their smoke alarm at around 1.25am on March 11.

Discovering their front door ablaze, they fled out of an alternate exit. Luckily, there were no injuries and the fire was extinguished by emergency services.

A forensic examination of the scene has since determined the cause of the fire to be deliberate.

Officers have carried out house-to-house enquiries and are continuing to appeal for any information which may assist the investigation.

Detective Constable Kate Humpheryes of west Kent CID said: "We believe the fire was started deliberately, at a time when the occupants were sleeping.

"It has destroyed the front door and the entire property was also heavily smoke damaged, but clearly this could have potentially been much worse.

"We are very keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything at all unusual or suspicious and would appeal to nearby residents, who perhaps we have not yet spoken to, to also check any CCTV systems they may have outside their homes."

Anyone with information which may assist the investigation, is asked to call the west Kent appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/45780/20.

You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org