• Do YOU know more about the blaze? Email Sam.Lawley@dailymail.co.uk 

By SAM LAWLEY, NEWS REPORTER and DAVID OLASEINDE

Published: 08:32 GMT, 29 December 2025 | Updated: 08:32 GMT, 29 December 2025

Neighbours desperately tried to put out a house fire in Ashford that killed a child - but were 'beaten back' by the blaze.

Those living near to the semi-detached home in Kent rushed to the scene in a bid to extinguish the ferocious flames as they tore through the property just after midday on Sunday.

Another child and an adult remain in hospital following the fire which brought chaos to the sleepy village on Christmas weekend.

Firefighters arrived on the scene to tackle the blaze, with three rushed to hospital after suffering injuries, before being released later.

The windows on the ground floor were completely blown out in the fire as Christmas decorations lay deflated in the home's front garden.

Six fire engines and a height vehicle were deployed to the property, where crews worked to extinguish the fire, which had spread quickly. 

A probe into what caused the inferno continues, and photos of the scene show the charred remains of a home.

Neighbours said they tried to rush into the house to help out but the blaze was too strong.

One child is dead and another remains in hospital after a house fire in Ashford, Kent on Sunday (Pictured: Deflated Christmas decorations in the front garden)

Six fire engines and a height vehicle were deployed to the semi-detached property, where crews worked to extinguish the fire, which had spread throughout the home

A height vehicle pictured at the home. A probe into what caused the inferno continues

One told Metro: 'It started downstairs and spread really quickly.

'There was nothing we could do at that point.

'It was really bad. We were all beaten back.'

Ann Millington, chief executive of Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS), said on Sunday night: 'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with everyone affected by this tragic incident, especially the child's loved ones.

'We understand this will be a distressing time for the local community and support is available at a welfare hub set up at Hamstreet Village Hall.'

A KFRS statement said: 'Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called today to reports of a house fire in White Admiral Way, in Hamstreet, Ashford.

'Control operators sent six fire engines and a height vehicle to the semi-detached property, where crews worked hard to extinguish an intense fire, which had spread throughout the home.