Durrington residents urged to avoid area as West Sussex crews tackle house fire in Worthing

Firefighters have spent the night tackling a blaze at a thatched cottage in Worthing, West Sussex.

Crews from Worthing, Lancing, East Preston, Shoreham and Brighton were called to Pond Lane in Durrington at 4pm on Wednesday, February 1.

At its height, six fire engines were battling the flames.

Residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed to prevent heavy smoke entering their homes.

Pond Lane and the surrounding roads were closed and people were asked to avoid the area.

A West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "At 4.01pm yesterday (1 February) we were called to a fire in a thatch cottage in Pond Lane, Durrington.

"Crews attended from Worthing, Littlehampton, East Preston, Shoreham and East Sussex crews from Brighton. Firefighters used aerial ladder platforms and jets to tackle the fire.

"Firefighters remained in attendance overnight before the incident was scaled back and our last crew left the scene at 5.30am this morning (2 February).

"Pond Lane was reopened for traffic and we returned to the property at 7.30am this morning (2 February) for reinspection."