Blaze at seafront hotel prompts evacuations

A seafront hotel in Eastbourne has been evacuated after a fire broke out.

Twelve fire engines were sent to deal with the blaze at the historic Claremont Hotel in Eastbourne this morning.

Flames can be seen ravaging the inside of the hotel on the East Sussex seafront. 

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said there were no reports of injuries.

Nearby residents have been warned by the fire service to keep doors and windows closed.

Smoke and flames have been seen billowing out of the building since around 9am

Smoke is still billowing out of the building, while guests have been evacuated from the hotel in Eastbourne this morning

Some 12 fire engines, as well as ambulances, have been sent to the Claremont hotel

A witness told the Eastbourne Herald: ‘It’s absolutely huge. It started at the back of the hotel, now the whole front of the hotel is on fire. 

‘Loads of people are running around, there’s loads and loads of smoke.’ 

The fire service said in a statement: ‘East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to keep doors and windows closed and avoid the area as firefighters tackle a serious fire.

‘Twelve fire engines are on the scene along with several officers, aerial ladder platforms and command support units. We have also sent a high volume pump and a specialist fire-fighting foam vehicle from Newhaven.

‘There are no reports of injuries and everyone was safely evacuated from the hotel.’

Roads in the area have been shut.

Firefighters are asking people to avoid the area as the fire continues to sweep through the building 

Guests are started to be evacuated from surrounding hotels as the fire continues to spread