EMERGENCY services were called after reports of Christmas trees being set on fire.

The trees were awaiting collection near the skate park off Mayhew Way in Lewes. Residents reported they could see a large cloud of smoke coming from the park.

A fire engine from Brighton was dispatched to the scene at about 8.06pm on Sunday. An East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: “Crews used a hose reel jet and foam to extinguish the fire. They left the scene at 8.27pm.”

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Some Christmas trees awaiting collection were set alight near, but not at, the skate park off Mayhew Way, Lewes.

“The adjacent wooden fence received a slight damage from the fire.”

Anyone with information can call 101 or report online and quote 877 of 06/01.