SEVEN fire engines were called to battle a roof fire that spread into neighbouring properties this afternoon.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service received 17 repeat calls regarding the fire in the roof and first floor of a house in Fishmarket Road, Rye, just after 3.30pm.

Police were also called to close the road as crews got to grips with the blaze.

A fire service spokeswoman said: "Three fire appliances were initially dispatched from Rye and Broad Oak. Crews then requested a further fire appliance which was dispatched from the Ridge fire station in Hastings along with an aerial ladder platform from Bohemia Road fire station in Hastings.

"A further two fire appliances were then sent from Battle and Llydd, which is over the border in Kent.

"An incident control unit from Bexhill was also dispatched.

"Crews at the scene confirmed the fire was spreading to adjoining properties and confirmed three properties were affected."

The incident was still ongoing at 5pm today.

A police spokesman said no arrests had been made and the cause was not believed to be suspicious at the present time.

There were no reported injuries.