Man dies in houseboat fire

A 49-year-old man has died following a fire on a houseboat in the early hours of today, police said.

Emergency services were called to the boat by St Peter's Street on the River Medway in Maidstone, Kent, just after 2am.

A man was pulled out and a fire officer attempted to resuscitate him before the arrival of paramedics.

However, he was later pronounced dead.

Kent Police said their officers will work with Kent Fire and Rescue Service to establish the cause of the blaze.

A police spokesman said: "Inquiries are ongoing." The identity of the man has not been disclosed by police.

Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604210 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.