Kent Police were called to Spitfire Road at 9pm on Saturday [November 17]. Officers attended the scene with Kent Fire and Rescue Service and two people were taken to hospital.
Jackie Allen, aged 65, was rescued from the fire and treated by paramedics but subsequently passed away.
Simon Childs, aged 51, of Hurricane Road was arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder by detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.
A child, believed to be Mrs Allen’s granddaughter, was treated for a leg injury and smoke inhalation, and a dog was also killed in the blaze.
It is understood that Mrs Allen was babysitting while her daughter Mandy was out.
Childs appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court yesterday [Tuesday] accused of causing the fire at the house.
An investigation is ongoing and anyone with information which may assist police enquiries is asked to call 101 quoting reference 17-1809.
Due to prior police contact with the man, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Neighbours and friends set up online fundraising pages to help pay for funeral costs and help the family after all their belongings were destroyed in the fire.
