A MAN who was arrested on suspicion of arson after a house went up in flames in Hove has been released on bail.

A 53-year-old man was arrested yesterday after firefighters were called to a property in Kelly Road shortly after 11.40am.

Crews from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service wore breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze, which is believed to have started in the roof before spreading throughout the home.

Pictures from the scene showed blooms of smoke rising from the house as emergency services closed roads while crews extinguished the fire.

A spokesman from Sussex Police said: "A 53-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life has been released on police bail.

"The suspect was arrested over an incident at Kelly Road, Hove, shortly after 11.40am on Monday, August 23.

"Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to report to Sussex Police online or call 101 and quote serial 542 of 23/08."

The owners of the house managed to escape without injuries, although they were shaken by the event and were taken in by neighbours while the fire was dealt with.

One neighbour who was working on his balcony when the fire started said: "We saw the fire start and within 15 minutes the house had gone.

"The fire just went through it so quickly, it was lucky no one was hurt."

Another neighbour said: "I couldn't believe the amount of smoke when I came outside and saw the house.

"I am sure that the fire service will do their job and make the area safe."

According to a neighbour, the fire led caused 28 homes in the surrounding area to be left without power.

Kelly Road was also closed to keep people away from the area, and neighbours were advised to stay inside and keep doors and windows shut to avoid the smoke.