A fire tore through a seafront apartment block - destroying two £1 million penthouses.

Eye witnesses reported seeing flames jumping 20 ft into the air and thick clouds of black smoke coming from the building in Brunswick Terrace, Hove.

Residents of the 180-year-old regency block fled from as the blaze took hold.

Owner Paul Lumley, and his partner escaped the blaze and looked on in shock as it destroyed their home.

No one was hurt in the fire which started at noon on Saturday (March 31).

A spokesman for East Sussex Fire Rescue Service said: "We had a severe fire on the top floor flat. We initiated an evacuation of the premises.

"There was severe damage to two top floor flats. Damage has spread to some of adjoining flats."

He said entry to the flat has been difficult because there was no access from the back of the building.

Ten engines, two aerial platforms, and more than 55 fire fighters, from stations across Sussex, attended the blaze which was bought under control by 2pm.

John Carey, 32, of Brunswick Terrace, said: "I got a very snatched conversation with the owner yesterday and he said he was going to stay with friends.

"I reckon the penthouse is worth more than a million pounds - that top building has great views over the sea and the promenade.

"From what I've heard the building is pretty badly damaged but I've not been in there myself.

"Everyone here is just quite relieved they are not injured."

About 12 fire fighters entered the building wearing breathing apparatus to deal with the blaze, search the flats and salvage property.

Police, ambulances and a Red Cross fire victim support unit also attended.

The fire service received about 30 calls from the public.

Nick Tellwight, who also lives in the block, was eating breakfast across the road when a fellow dinner said Brunswick Terrace was on fire.

Mr Tellwight said: "I looked over and saw it was the block I live in. It's miraculous none was hurt, that's the most important thing."

His neighbour, Patrick Mcintyre, lives on the ground floor of the block.

He said: "Someone started knocking on my door telling me to get out. I'm still waiting to find out when we can go back in."

Jamie Bowden, of nearby Adelaide Terrace, said: "I was at home when I suddenly saw loads of smoke going up into the sky.

"When I went to take a look there were flames and smoke billowing from a top floor flat.

"There were police, fire crews and ambulances everywhere. The police helicopter was also out.

"There was also a couple who were very upset and distressed and someone said they were the owners.

"There were lots of people standing on Hove Lawns watching what was going on."

William Sadowski (crct), of Waterloo Street, Brighton, said: "Two cranes were being used so the fire fighters could get up to the fire and there was smoke pouring out.

"The building is about five or six storeys and everyone was out on seafront watching everything happening."

Justin Ingram was walking back to his home in Brunswick Square as the fire started.

He said: "We saw the smoke first and then a group of about half a dozen residents came running. The fire took hold really quickly. The flat and the roof look gutted."

The A259 Kingsway seafront road was closed for about three hours on Saturday afternoon, causing jams in surrounding roads.

An investigation into the cause is underway but police do not believe the blaze was started deliberately.

Officers declared the building safe later on Saturday.

Sally Cullen, 45, of Brunswick Terrace, said: "It was a really bad fire from what I've heard and I'm just glad everyone got out alive.

"I've not seen inside the properties but I know they're badly damaged."

To see pictures of the blaze taken by readers, click here.

Did you see the fire? If so, tell us what you saw.