Forty hamsters had to be rescued when flames tore through the ground floor of a house after a suspected arson attack in Eastbourne.

The rodents were rounded up by firefighters who battled through thick smoke at the property in Dudley Road.

Homeowner Michael Wood was taken to the District General Hospital suffering from the effects of smoke.

A firefighter was also admitted after falling over while inside the house. Both were later released.

Leading Firefighter Fleur Caldwell said: "We had to rescue one man who had become trapped by the fire and we realised there were all these hamsters running around.

"Most of them were in cages but there were some running around free in the bathroom. There must have been about 40 altogether."

The animals were taken out to the garden and left in cages to await an RSPCA officer.

Mr Caldwell added: "They seemed quite happy going round on their wheels."

The hamsters were taken to St Annes Veterinary Surgery, Eastbourne, for a check up.

A spokesman for the RSPCA said the animals would be taken to an animal sanctuary before being found new homes.

He said there were also fish in the house which were being collected this morning by an RSPCA officer.

Firefighters remained at the scene until 1am.

A fire investigation team from Brighton was at the house this morning. The blaze is being treated as suspicious.