FLAMES were pictured "billowing" into the sky after an ambulance caught fire in Haywards Heath.

Three West Sussex Fire and Rescue engines were tasked to put out the blaze in Harlands Road shortly after 4pm.

Photographs captured by a passerby showed flames spouting from the South East Coast Ambulance Service vehicle.

Michael Charley, who took the picture, said: "Just before the photo was taken a mass of flames were seen billowing in the sky above rooftop level."

READ MORE >> Double-decker bus catches fire in Chichester

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus quickly brought the flaming ambulance under control using high-pressure hose reels.

The Argus:  Three West Sussex Fire and Rescue engines were tasked to put out the blaze in Harlands Road shortly after 4pm Three West Sussex Fire and Rescue engines were tasked to put out the blaze in Harlands Road shortly after 4pm

Crews remained on the scene using thermal imaging cameras to ensure there were no further hotspots.

A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called to assist colleagues in the South East Coast Ambulance Service shortly after 4pm this afternoon following a fire involving an ambulance.

“Joint Fire Control mobilised two fire engines from Haywards Heath and one from Burgess Hill to the scene of the incident on Harlands Road, and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus quickly brought the fire under control using high-pressure hose reels.

"Crews remained on the scene using thermal imaging cameras to ensure there were no further hotspots.”