A fire which destroyed Newhaven Conservative Club overnight was still burning this morning. Roads are closed and drivers are being advised to avoid the town.
The alarm was raised at 1.50am. Homes were evacuated but no-one was injured.
Up to 12 firefighters at a time went inside to fight the flames at their height.
An aerial ladder and a water-carrier were also used and four jets of water were trained on the building.
The club was severely damaged.
A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "The club was closed at the time and some residents on the top floor had made their way to safety.
"No other buildings have been directly affected by the fire but five adjoining houses were evacuated as a precaution. However some of those residents have already been able to return.
"The building was still alight at mid-morning on Saturday and it is expected to be some time before firefighters can make the site safe for examination.
"At this stage there is no immediate evidence to suggest that the fire was deliberate but the investigation will take some time."
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