PEOPLE were warned to keep clear of an industrial estate after a fire broke out in a derelict building.

Firefighters were called to the Phoenix Industrial Estate in North Street, Lewes, just after 3.30pm on Friday.

Witnesses described seeing plumes of black smoke that later turned white at the site, known locally as the Old Soap Factory.

A spokesman for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “The fire was at a derelict industrial unit.

“Crews searched the building. Everyone has been accounted for and there are no reports of injuries.”

At the height of the blaze six fire engines were at the scene.

Crews had put out the blaze by 5.45pm but they returned at 8pm to check the site was safe.