Major fire rips through Bognor seafront

The cause of a fire which swept through several properties on Bognor Regis seafront is being investigated

More than fifty firefighters tackled the blaze throughout the night, their efforts hampered by strong winds.

Richard Slee spoke to Adrian Murphy from West Sussex Fire and Rescue and business owner Yalcin Vural.

This video shows what firefighters were up against in Bognor overnight, as they struggled to contain a blaze in a row of properties along the seafront.

You can hear the wind whistling as they try to stay on their feet!

A fantastic effort by more than fifty firefighters from West Sussex, who helped the evacuation process. The incident was contained without any injuries.

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."