More than 40 flats evacuated during overnight fire

A council says it is working "round the clock" to find emergency accommodation for residents after 42 flats were evacuated following a major fire in Dover.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) said the blaze broke out at Conquest House in Crabble Hill at about 01:10 BST Sunday.

The property's landlord, Town and Country Housing, said it was arranging hotel accommodation for those who needed immediate help.

Dover District Council set up an emergency centre at the offices in the early hours of Sunday where the Salvation Army and Red Cross provided food and water.

A spokesperson for the council said: "We continue to support work being undertaken by landlords, Town and Country Housing, and to work with Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

"We are helping to find emergency accommodation for those who need it and continue to work hard to provide assistance."

Town and Country Housing, the landlord of the flats, says it will meet with residents from Tuesday to explore short and medium-term housing options.

"Our thoughts are with the residents of Conqueror House, and our immediate priority is to support those affected," a spokesperson said.

Town and Country Housing says it is arranging week-long hotel stays for all those who need immediate help.

"We will be collaborating with fire or police investigation. It is too early to comment on the cause of the fire, or when residents may be able to return to their homes," they added.

The fire service said it sent 12 fire engines and two height vehicles at the height of the blaze.

A spokesperson for the fire service says the cause of the fire is not yet known.

KFRS added its volunteer response team also attended to provide welfare support and assistance to displaced residents.

Kent Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service have been approached for comment.

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