A derelict building has caught alight with fire crews working for hours to control the blaze.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called at 4.55pm on Thursday, March 12 to reports of a fire at a derelict building in Eastbourne.

Firefighters worked to control the flames at the property on Ashburnham Road.

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The Fire Service confirmed that the first floor of the building and the roof space was well alight. At 5.40pm four appliances and an Aerial Ladder Platform were tackling the fire, with numbers and resources increasing into the evening.

The road has been shut by Sussex Police who are assisting with traffic control as fire crews remain at the scene.

A spokesperson for East Sussex Fire and Rescue said: "Please continue to avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed of nearby properties while crews work. Thank you for your co-operation."

In an update priovided at 8pm the service added: "Steady progress continues to be made. The derelict building has been badly damaged and there is a risk that some of it will collapse.

"We ask that you continue to avoid the area."

Due to strong winds there is acontinued risk that parts of the building may collapse.

The road will remain closed overnight and could not reopen until after rush hour. Motorists have been urged to plan ahead and find alternative routes.

There are no reports of injuries and the cause of the fire is not known.