A BOY was taken to hospital after being caught in a blaze in a flat where the smoke alarm did not work.

The youngster was taken to Darent Valley Hospital after breathing in smoke at the fire in Abbey Place, Priory Road North, Dartford, which began shortly after 2pm.

Firemen believe the blaze, attended by five crews from across north Kent on January 14, began after furniture was set alight.

The majority of the first-floor flat was destroyed by fire and the ground floor was damaged by smoke. The adjacent terrace suffered smoke damage.

After being treated for smoke inhalation, the boy was released from the hospital in Darenth Wood Road.

Head of community fire safety Stuart Skilton said: "Make sure you get into the regular habit of testing, maintaining and changing the battery of your smoke alarm."