A FIRE of an “unknown origin” destroyed part of an unused village property.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service sent five crews from across the region to deal with the blaze in Pookbourne Lane, Hurstpierpoint at around 8.45pm last night.

A fire service spokeswoman said 50 per cent of the ground floor, first floor and roof were severely damaged by the flames.

An investigation was launched but the fire service had to call it off due to structural problems with the building.

The crews left at varying times later in the evening with one crew staying to make the building safe into the early hours of this morning.

No injuries were reported at the scene.