A FIRE which consumed derelict buildings at a fortmer school site is being treated as arson by the authorities.

The fire, believed to be at the derelict site of St Aubyn's school in Rottingdean High Street, started burning just after 3pm on Sunday.

A total of eight fire crews arrived to tackle the blaze after a 999 call at 3.17pm and Sussex Police were on the scene as well.

There have been no reports of any injuries.

Steyning Road was closed at the junction with Newlands Road but the High Street remained accessible with officers directing traffic.

Brighton and Hove buses warned customers of delays of more than 30 minutes to the Number 2 route.

Police have warned drivers to avoid the congested A259 if possible.

In a statement, East Sussex Fire and Rescue said the incident was being treated as suspicious.

The site has been the subject of several planning applications in the four years since it closed, many of which have been turned down because of historic buildings on the site.