Six fire engines are attending a blaze at a thatched cottage.

The fire broke out at around 4pm this afternoon in Pond Lane, Worthing.

The road is closed between Durrington Lane and Pond Mews and there are delays in the area.

A West Sussex Fire and Rescue spokesman said: : “Durrington residents are advised to please keep windows and doors closed to prevent heavy smoke entering from a nearby house fire.

“There are currently six pumps in attendance (as of 5pm) at this fire in a thatched cottage in Pond Lane.

“Pond Lane and other local roads are currently closed and we’re advising people to avoid the area if possible because of heavy congestion.

The Argus: Firefighters in attendance this eveningFirefighters in attendance this evening (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

“We were called to this incident at 4.01pm and currently in attendance are crews from Worthing, Lancing, East Preston, Shoreham and East Sussex crews from Brighton.”