A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of arson after fire ripped through a seafront flat.

Sussex Police are investigating the cause of the blaze in Kings Road, Brighton, yesterday afternoon.

The force has now confirmed that a 27-year-old man from Brighton has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remains in custody.

The Argus: Crews in Kings Road, Brighton yesterdayCrews in Kings Road, Brighton yesterday

Video from the scene showed smoke billowing from the roof of a residential property in Regency Square and dozens of emergency services vehicles parked along the seafront.

Crews from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service tackled the fire and used a thermal imaging camera to check for hot spots.

A spokesman for the service confirmed that there were no casualties.

Pictures taken at around 2pm yesterday show ambulance crews working alongside police officers behind a cordon.

Earlier today, Sussex Police said they believed the fire had been caused “deliberately”.

The Kings Road A259 eastbound was closed while emergency services dealt with the fire and diversions were put in place.

Buses were diverted along Western Road to ease pressure on traffic building up on the seafront.

Dozens of firefighters could be seen running into the Melrose seafood restaurant to gain access to the fire in a neighbouring building.

The fire service urged people to avoid the area while fire crews battled the flames.

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