RESIDENTS are being told to avoid the area as emergency services tackle a fire in Hove.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue (ESFR) battled a blaze at a residential property in Brunswick Place this afternoon.

Firefighters from Preston Circus, Roedean, Hove, Seaford, Newhaven and Lewes were in attendance. 

They used four Breathing Apparatus, 1 in 7 foam and one main jet to tackle the fire.

"Please avoid the area," an ESFR spokeswoman said at the time.

The Argus:

A nearby resident said: "There are four ambulances and nine fire engines. 

"There's a very intense smell of smoke, but I can't see smoke"

Pictures from near the scene show smoke billowing into the air. 

The Argus:

At about 2pm, the fire service said: "The incident at Brunswick Place is now being scaled down.

"A fire investigation is due to take place later today.

"An Emergency Planning Officer is on scene assisting affected residents.

"Thank you to all those who assisted us in tackling this fire."