A fire which damaged a pub is believed to have been started deliberately.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called to the Fisherman's Joy pub, on the corner of Manor Road and East Street, Selsey, at 2.04am today, after a passer by saw smoke issuing from the pub.

Fire crews spent hours tackling the blaze using extension ladders, high pressure hoses, jets, ventilation fans, thermal imaging cameras, a water hydrant and breathing apparatus.

The blaze caused 30% heat and smoke damage to the first floor and 75% of the ground floor was also destroyed by heat and smoke.

People had been reported trapped inside the building but everyone was accounted for and no one was injured.

The fire is being investigated and is in the hands of Sussex Police. Nearby roads have been closed and diversions are in place while inquiries continue to establish the cause.

Anyone with information about the fire should call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.