An elderly woman died and a male neighbour has been taken to hospital following a house fire in Hythe.

Firefighters were called to a three-storey house in North Road after reports of a fire in the premises.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus investigated reports of a person trapped in the property.

An elderly woman was found to have died, and a male neighbour who attempted to tackle the blaze was taken to hospital with severe smoke inhalation.

Police at the scene of the fire in North Road  Photo: Max Hess

The cause of the fire is being investigated by Kent Police and the Fire and Rescue Service although the incident is currently not thought to be suspicious they are awaiting forensic confirmation.

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2012