SQUATTERS in Northfleet caused a fire in their home by lighting cushions in a bath to keep themselves warm.

Firefighters were called to the squat in Lansdowne Square at around 6.10pm last Wednesday to find the place filled with smoke. One squatter was stuck in the basement bathroom where he was "confused and overcome with fumes".

They rescued him and treated him for smoke inhalation and then led another man, who was upstairs, to safety.

Officers arriving on the scene arrested a 41-year-old man and he was later bailed without charge.

A spokesman for Kent Fire Brigade said: "The squat was smoke-logged. Fifteen firefighters used breathing apparatus to put out the fire and a squatter found in the bathroom was treated for smoke inhalation.

"It took around 45 minutes to put out the fire.

He added: "The squatters got cold and lit a fire in the bath. They obviously didn't understand the repercussions of lighting cushions in the bath."

A North Kent Police spokesman said: "Police were called by Kent Fire Brigade and arrested a man who has been bailed without charge to return to the police station following further enquiries."

Police are treating the fire as suspicious.

If you witnessed the incident, call police on 01322 283111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

November 20, 2001 14:02