FIREFIGHTERS have battled a blaze at a workshop after "being struck by lightning".

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) spent the whole day putting out the fire at the workshop at The Old Cement Works Industrial Estate, South Heighton, on the outskirts of Newhaven. 

Firefighters were called at 12.30am this morning and described it as "severe fire".

Eight fire engines attended at the height of the fire.

ESFRS said the fire was finally put out by 3pm and no one was injured. 

When The Argus arrived around 10am firefighters were still damping down the remnants of the fire.

People at the scene suggested the fire had been started by lightning.

The workshop home to Quayside Antiques was completely destroyed. 

John Piper, managing director of neighbouring manufacturing firm EJ Group, said: “It was terrible seeing the flames - thank god no one was hurt.

“The spread of fire would have taken our buildings as well. 

“The fire service did an amazing job."

Structural safety engineers from Lewes District Council were also on scene to assess the building, which may need to be demolished due to unsteady walls.

Nick Jones, estate manager for Glynde Estates who own the industrial estate, said: “We are thankful no one was hurt, but heartbroken for Quayside Antiques who have been restoring furniture here for several decades. 

“We will be doing everything we can limit disruption to our tenants and we would like to thank the emergency services for their work.”

In a statement ESFR said the building is unsafe hampering their investigation of the cause of the fire. 

But they said it is not being treated as suspicious.