Residents return home after fire

There were road closures in the area for most of Thursday

About 400 people moved from their homes because of a severe fire in a garage in Sussex have finally been allowed back.

The blaze destroyed the New Malvern Service Station, at Westbourne Street's junction with Montgomery Street, in Hove, after breaking out on Wednesday.

A 50m total exclusion zone was put in place amid fears gas cylinders could explode or the building collapse.

Residents spent the night away from their homes, returning when the cordon was lifted at 1800 GMT on Thursday.

Temporary accommodation

Some were allowed into their homes or to get their cars inside a further 70m zone, as long as they were not in direct sight of the garage.

Six fire crews and specialist units initially attended the scene of the blaze, which broke out in a workshop on Wednesday afternoon. It had been put out by Thursday morning.

The cause of the fire is being investigated but it is not thought to have been started deliberately.

Brighton and Hove City Council helped affected residents find temporary accommodation for Wednesday night where necessary.

Fifty-four people were taken to Hove Town Hall before being transferred to a nearby hotel.