Fire rips through Bognor Regis seafront as Storm Angus batters south

A major fire has ripped through several properties along Bognor Regis seafront as fire crews battled the elements.

More than fifty firefighters were sent to tackle the blaze, which spread quickly because of the strong winds caused by Storm Angus.

Fourteen fire engines were called out in the early hours, to a row of buildings on The Esplanade.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said some of the buildings had been derelict, and there were signs of possible collapse.

Residents were evacuated to a leisure centre and people have been asked to avoid the area.

The cause is still being investigated. Lead officer Adrian Murphy is quoted as saying: "This incident has taken place in the midst of a major storm and it was difficult to stand when we arrived on the seafront.

"Our key priority now is to work with the displaced residents to get them safely home as soon as possible."