The river in Maidstone

The man who died after a houseboat caught fire on the River Medway in Maidstone has been named by police as Stephen Harrison.

Mr Harrison, who police say was a local man, died despite the efforts of rescuers to resuscitate him.

The blaze started on the houseboat, which was moored on the river next to Royal Engineers Way, near the town centre, shortly after 2am on Saturday morning.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service were called, sending two pumps and a water safety unit. Firefighters pulled the 49-year-old from the boat, but despite attempts by fire and ambulance crews to revive him he died.

Police and fire crews are continuing to work together to establish the cause of the fire.

The damaged houseboat was still moored on the riverbank on Saturday, cordoned off by police, as experts carried out examinations in a bid to determine the cause of the blaze.

The death is now the fourth on the River Medway in Maidstone in as many months. It comes just weeks after the death of Keith Brooks, who died after falling into the river, also at St Peter's Street.

Anyone with information should call police on 01622 604210 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.