LARGE flames leapt from an abandoned boat after a blaze broke out in the vessel.

Fire crews were quickly called to the scene in Albion Street, Southwick, on Sunday afternoon as a plume of smoke billowed into the air.

A West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “This afternoon, we received a call at 1.38pm to a fire on a derelict boat in Southwick.

We sent crews from Lancing Fire Station and Worthing Fire Station, and they worked alongside our

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service colleagues to get it under control and put it out quickly.”

A large hole was burned through the hull of the boat and much of the wooden structure was left blackened and charred as a result of the fire.

But there were no reported injuries during the incident.