Arsonists are being hunted for starting a fire at a disused petrol station as young children were walking home from school.

Up to 15 firefighters were summoned to the former Esso garage in St Anthony's Avenue, Seaside, Eastbourne, opposite the Lodge pub.

They managed to get the fire under control quickly but the roof was completely destroyed by flames.

It happened as hundreds of youngsters poured out from schools, including Tollgate Primary, just after 3pm on Thursday.

Fire officials said there was no threat of petrol igniting as the pumps had been drained when it was shut more than two years ago.