Huge fire at Crawley leisure centre thought to be suspicious

The blaze started at Acorns Health and Leisure Club in Copthorne Road, Crawley, at around 7am yesterday.

Some 100 firefighters and at 14 fire engines were called to tackle the flames, as well as several specialist vehicles including two platforms to spray water from above.

Sussex Police said the fire is thought to be suspicious and officers remain in the area while investigations take place.

Two platforms were used to control the blaze

A spokesman said: “Officers responded to a call from West Sussex Fire and Rescue just before 7.40am following a report of a fire at the leisure centre.

“There will be a police presence in the area for some time while investigating officers determine the cause and both West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police are advising people to avoid the area as the building remains unsafe.

“Anyone with information which could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to police online or call 101 quoting serial number 347 of 07/08.

“Alternatively you can report this information to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.”

There were 17 vehicles at the scene around 9am yesterday, including five specialist vehicles.

Extensive damage was caused to the building

The road was closed in both directions from the Wyevale Garden Centre to the Copthorne Hotel roundabout.

The fire service confirmed it was staying overnight to make sure the fire did not flare up again.

A spokeswoman said: "In the early hours of this morning, crews from Burgess Hill and East Grinstead returned to the scene to carry out re-inspections.

"One hotspot was identified and firefighters used a high pressure hose reel to extinguish the hotspot.

"The incident remains open at this time and firefighters will be returning this afternoon to check for further hotspots.

"We also have fire investigation officers at the scene, carrying out detailed inspections to determine the cause of the fire.”

Dave Bray, area manager for the fire service, said: "The building is fortunately remote so it's not touching the main building, so we have been able to surround the fire so it's not spreading to the main hotel complex.

"We're using two aerial ladder platforms to operate as water towers to put large quantities of water into the building from above. 

"There have been no injuries, no members of the public were involved."