Fire that risked derelict building collapse put out

Fire crews have extinguished a fire that broke out at a derelict house in East Sussex.

Firefighters were called to the building in Ashburnham Road, Eastbourne, at 16:55 GMT on Thursday, and said the fire left the house at risk at collapse.

Strong winds meant East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service had to "work hard to stop the fire spreading to neighbouring properties", according to a spokesperson.

On Friday, ESFRS said that crews that had stayed at the scene overnight had now left, and that the road had reopened.

However, the spokesperson added that firefighters would be "re-inspecting for hot spots" at the property at 09:30 GMT and urged that people "don't slow down to look if driving past".

They said that there had been "no reports of any injuries and the cause of the fire is not known."

Police also remain at the scene, the fire service added.

Neighbour Fiona Dean had returned home from work about 17:30 GMT on Thursday and said she could see "thick black, acrid smoke and flames coming out of the roof".

"It was horrifying, but the fire brigade did a brilliant job given how fast the fire seemed to spread."

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