FIRE crews were called to a van fire which threatened to spread to nearby flats early this morning.

Abright green Ford Escort van was well alight when two Littlehampton crews arrived at the flats in Church Street.

The van was parked in a car port under the two-storey block.

The fire had scorched the outside of the block.

The flat above the fire suffered some smoke damage and an elderly woman was led out by firefighters.

No one was injured, but the blaze, which started at 3.23am, is being treated as suspicious.

The van was written off in the fire.

Sub Officer Trevor Worsfold said: "The elderly woman was in no danger but she wanted to get out for her own reassurance."

Fire officers are examining the scene this morning to find the cause of the blaze.

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