FIREFIGHTERS are battling a barn blaze that started earlier this afternoon.

Crews from Hove, Newhaven, Brighton and Uckfield arrived at the scene at Pickers Hill Farm in Saltdean Vale, Saltdean, about an hour ago.

The barn, measuring eight metres by 30 metres, was well alight when they got to work.

It is thought to contain 1,000 bales of hay.

Because of its remote location and lack of hydrants, one of the fire engines, a large tanker, is being used to ferry water to the area.

More water is also being pumped up from a recreation ground from a lower site.

A command unit from Lewes is also in attendance with fire officers who are looking to determine the cause of the blaze. The police are in attendance.

Passer-by Chris Woollard said he was out walking his dog when he saw the fire.

He said: "Prior to discovery of the fire we saw four youths running across the fields from the vicinity of the fire."

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "We are investigating the barn fire and looking into it."