SMOKE from a nearby substation fire filled a busy city centre hotel.

It is believed customers were evacuated from the Premier Inn in North Street, Brighton, due to the fire behind the hotel shortly before 3pm today.

Electricity has been cut off to some premises in the Duke Street and Ship Street area while engineers repair the damaged substation.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it sent six engines to the scene after being called to the hotel at 2.52pm due to smoke inside.

A spokesman added: "When they got there crews investigated and found the smoke was coming from the substation."

The cause of the fire is not clear.

This evening (Monday) a spokesman for UK Power Networks said power had been turned off to roughly 30 people in the Duke Street and Ship Street area.

He added: "We would like to reassure any customers still affected that we will turn their power back on as soon as we can."

Premier Inn could not immediately be reached for comment.