An investigation has been launched into the cause of a house fire in which a woman died.

Fire, police and ambulance crews were called to the home in Pembury Road, Eastbourne, at around 2.45am today to find the building well alight.

Two men had already managed to get out of the two-storey house with one of them jumping out of the first-floor to escape the blaze.

Both suffered minor injuries and were taken to Eastbourne District General Hospital for treatment.

However when firefighters were able to get in and search the building, they found the body of a woman inside.

An East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We received multiple calls to the fire and three fire engines were sent from Eastbourne and Pevensey.

"When crews arrived they needed the aerial ladder platform as well. The fire had spread through the ground floor, first floor and roof.

"The fire victim support unit was called to help some of the neighbours affected by the blaze.

"Crews are still at the scene this morning and the cause of the fire is being investigated."

Sussex Police and fire officers are treating the blaze as suspicious and witnesses are asked to call police on 0845 6070999 quoting Operation Viewer.

Pembury Road was closed to traffic this morning as the investigation continued.