An eel has been seen swimming through a town centre as Sussex is hit by widespread flooding.

Hastings resident Erika Rosina Lily Williams caught the creature on camera as it swam along the pavement in Wellington Place as floods hit the town.

Erika told The Argus: “When I saw the eel, I was in shock. We haven’t had a flood this bad in many years and never once has an eel been spotted in any floodwater caused by the rain.

“I had to take a video to tell myself it was real.”

It comes as many parts of the town have been closed to the public due to widespread flooding.

Fire crews have been called to Priory Meadow Shopping Centre, which has been closed due to the flooding, with a site set up in St Andrews Square to help those without power and in need of support.

A spokesman for Hastings Borough Council said: “We are working with our emergency services partners on several areas of flooding in the town centre and Alexandra Park. Some areas of the town are closed, including the park.

“If you are in urgent need of housing support, please call out housing line on 01424 451100.”