Video of fire at Peacocks in Littlehampton High Street

The fire broke out around 11am at Peacocks in Littlehampton High Street on Saturday afternoon, July 9.

Six fire engines were called at first, the incident was then scaled down to two engines at around 1.45pm.

Carl Lee was working in the car park behind the shop and witnessed as black smoke billowed from the front of the clothes shop, as well as the roof.

Crews at the scene

The 44-year-old told The Argus: "I was over in the car park and saw the smoke suddenly come up, loads of it.

"It happened around 11am. I was moving customer's cars around and noticed the smoke. 

"Sainsbury's was evacuated, though I think it was a precaution as no visible damage. But the roof of Peacocks went and the inside of the store is black."

The road was reopened around 2.30pm with traffic back to normal.

Shoppers were evacuated and no injuries were reported following the fire.

A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) said at the time: “Six fire crews are currently dealing with a shop fire on the High Street in Littlehampton.

“Sussex Police are also in attendance and Surrey Street is currently closed.

"Please avoid the area where possible during this ongoing incident.”