Firefighters battle huge blaze after 'explosion' in Sussex business park

A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters were called to a fire involving 'scrap metal' off Chartwells Road in Lancing at 1.35pm.

Eight fire engines are on the scene and an aerial ladder platform, the spokesman said, as firefighters battle to bring the fire under control.

Sussex Police are also in attendance and have closed surrounding roads to ensure public safety.

“Drivers are urged to avoid the area for the time being, and anyone living nearby should keep their windows and doors closed," said the spokesman.

Photographs shared on social media show the scale of the blaze, which is visible from up on the South Downs and miles along the coast.

Colin Bush works at the industrial estate and said he was in his car eating his lunch when an explosion shook the vehicle.

"I thought someone had just dropped something or whatever, but then this huge draft came through the window," he said.

"There were lots of pops and bangs and I just saw this black smoke. They've closed the estate off now though and are evacuating everyone."