Six fire engines battle suspicious blaze at multi-million-pound mansion in Roedean

The blaze took hold at the back of a large detached house in Roedean Crescent, Roedean, at about 11.20am.

Four fire engines were initially dispatched from Preston Circus and Hove, with the number going up to six.

One man in his 20s was handed over to paramedics at the scene with burns and smoke inhalation. He has gone to the Royal Sussex County Hospital for treatment.

Some gas engineers working nearby called the fire service after noticing the smoke billowing from Georgian House, also known as Roedean House.

The first fire engine arrived two minutes after the 999 call.

One witness, Jay Cullen, 32, from Brighton, said: "I was driving through Rottingdean on the A259 and saw large plumes of smoke billowing out of the house.

"I tried to get a bit nearer so I could find out what road it was on to call 999.

"I called the fire service and they said they were already sending someone.

"I saw two fire engines already at the scene and more fire cars coming down the road towards the fire."

David Branch, 53, who lives in Seaford, was driving past when he saw the smoke.

He pulled up as fire engines were turning up.

"There was lots of smoke and lots of activity," he said.

Mr Branch said firefighters told the public to stand back over fears of cars in a garage or lock-up behind the property being on fire.

He said: "I took it very seriously when the firemen said step back. They were quite adamant.

"The cars were out the back or in a garage. You could hear them exploding - it might have been tyres, I'm not sure.

"I don't know where the fire started but it did seem to be coming from the rear of the building.

"You could smell rubber and it was quite uncomfortable, very toxic-smelling."

Abe Garman, 23, lives around the corner in The Cliff, Roedean.

He said: "There was loads of thick black smoke. It looked quite serious but I couldn't tell you what happened."

Others saw the smoke as far away as Peacehaven.

An East Sussex Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said: "Crews were called out to a fire at a residential property in Roedean Crescent, Roedean, Brighton at 11.24am.

"One fire engine from Roedean was dispatched along with two from Preston Circus, one from Hove and the Incident Control Unit from Lewes.

"Crews are currently bringing the fire under control.

"It’s a domestic property, comprising of three floors, approximately 40m by 20m. The fire is in the rear of the property. Crews used six breathing apparatus, two main jets and a hydrant is also in use."

After making up to six fire engines plus support teams, crews confirmed the fire was under control at 12.53pm.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Severe damage had been caused to the property, with a garage block almost completely destroyed.

"A man at the scene had sustained burns and was suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation. He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, for treatment.

"At the request of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service police were asked to treat the fire as suspicious and a joint investigation is now under way.

"A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent."

Henry Summers took this aerial shot of the scene.

GEORGIAN HOUSE

Georgian House, also known as Roedean House, was billed as one of the most expensive homes in Sussex when it was sold for about £3.1 million in September 2003.

It was on the market for more than a year back then and was originally priced at £4 million.

It was bought by a property millionaire who ran a lettings agency in the city.

The late Glenn Mishon, of Mishon Mackay, conducted the 2003 sale and told The Argus at the time that it was “a magnificent house and the best in Brighton and Hove”.

The property has a colonnade-style entrance, heated marble floors, polished oak panelled walls and a double staircase leading to a first-floor gallery landing.

It had an indoor swimming complex overlooking a heated outdoor pool and ornamental fish pond.

The house was extensively modernised by the previous owner, having fallen into disrepair.