A woman has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life, after a huge fire ripped through a house in Swanscombe.

Clare Bushby, 42, of Craylands Lane has been charged in connection with the two-storey blaze where smoke was seen billowing from the roof just before 4pm on Sunday (May 22).

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The Rising Sun pub adjacent the burned out house

Around 15 people from the Rising Sun pub, also in Craylands Lane, and 10 people from adjoining homes had to be evacuated to Swanscombe Leisure Centre while firefighters spent almost two hours battling flames.

Karen Lee, 43, who was working at the centre said: “We were asked by the fire service to help.

“That’s what we’re here for.

“I thought it was a fight going on outside the pub at first.

“They were offered to come in but a lot of people wanted to watch what was going on.”

The fire ravaged the first floor, front bedroom and roof space before it was brought under control.

The property is believed to have been empty at the time of the alleged arson.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that there were no reports of any injuries.

Ms Bushby appeared in Medway Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (May 24) and was remanded in custody.

She will appear at Maidstone Crown Court on June 21.