Two people, believed to be an elderly mother and her son, were killed today when fire swept through a bungalow.

Detectives were treating the blaze in Barley Lane, Hastings, as suspicious.

The victims, a woman in her 80s and a middle aged man, were found dead by firefighters called to the scene at 5.40am.

Neighbours told how they were awoken by a boom like a "clap of thunder" before flames shot up to 10ft from the back of the bungalow as thick smoke filled the two-bedroom property.

Scenes of crime officers and fire investigators were at the scene today, which is about 100 yards from the Shear Barn holiday camp.

Detectives were refusing to speculate on the how the fire was caused, saying only that the suspicious blaze was under investigation.

Neighbour Eric Hoare, 55, told how he peered through the bungalow's front window to see a wall of black smoke.

He said: "I was in bed and thought I heard a clap of thunder before I looked out of the window and saw flames.

"At first I thought someone had set fire to the foliage in front of the property but then I realised it was the bungalow itself."

Mr Hoare dashed outside as his wife, Kath, dialled 999.

Mr Hoare said: "I went to the window. It was just full of thick, black smoke swirling around. I don't think anyone could have survived that."

Up to 20 firefighters from stations in Hastings and Bexhill tackled the blaze, which completely destroyed the bungalow.

Sheets of tarpaulin were put up to cover the adjacent conservatory.

Police are appealing for witnesses. They would especially like to hear from a man seen walking towards fields on East Hill about an hour after the alarm was raised.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845 6070 999.