A RESIDENTIAL property was damaged during a fire in a town centre.

Emergency services were called to the flat above a commercial premises in Queen Road, Hastings, on Tuesday.

Crews from The Ridge, Hastings, Bexhill, Battle and Herstmonceux attended the fire, which was first reported at 11.29am.

By 12.30pm, additional crews from Hailsham and Eastbourne also attended.

At the peak of the incident, there were eight fire appliances at the scene.

The Argus: Fire causes damage to residential property in Hastings Fire causes damage to residential property in Hastings

According to East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, the blaze spread across the property.

Firefighters are using an aerial ladder platform, six breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire.

No casualties were reported, and the property was vacant at the time.

The Argus: Fire causes damage to residential property in Hastings Fire causes damage to residential property in Hastings

“We still have crews on scene who are carrying out salvage work and a building inspector has been requested,” am East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said.

“The closure of Queens Road will be in place for the foreseeable future until we can determine that the building is safe.

“We would like to thank Sussex Police for their support and the public for their patience while the incident is being resolved.”

A joint investigation to establish the cause of the fire will take place in due course, conducted by the fire service and police.

The South East Coast Ambulance Service were also in attendance.

Local residents were encouraged to “avoid the area” while road closures were in place.