Firefighters tackle large blaze

The warehouse fire was first spotted soon after sunrise

About 100 firefighters have been tackling a large blaze at a furniture warehouse in East Sussex.

The fire at CPW Furniture in Harbour Road, Rye, broke out at about 0530 BST.

Twenty crews from East Sussex, Kent and West Sussex fire and rescue services were sent to douse the flames, the cause of which is being investigated.

It is not thought anyone was on the site and there were no reports of any injuries. Motorists were urged to avoid the area at the height of the blaze.

Residents living near the warehouse were also told to keep their windows closed because of the smoke.

Des Prichard, chief fire officer for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters from Rye encountered a developing fire situation which escalated significantly requiring additional resources from across the service.

"This has been a demanding and challenging operation, which has been successful from a joint agency perspective, and we are grateful for the support received from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Kent Fire and Rescue Service."