Fire crews are spending a second day at the scene of a huge blaze that all but destroyed a historic hotel in a town centre.

The fire gutted The Angel Hotel in Midhurst in the early hours of yesterday morning, with flames ripping through the roof and spreading across the building.

Some 14 fire engines were called to the blaze, using an aerial platform to fight the inferno.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said that fire officers and police remain at the scene, although operations at the hotel have been scaled back, with some parts of the cordon lifted.

A fire service spokesman said: “We are scaling down our operations at the Angel Hotel and as a result cordons have been reduced.

“The A286 North Street is still closed to vehicles and is closed to both pedestrians and vehicles directly outside The Angel Hotel for safety reasons.

“Unfortunately, this closure means there is no access to premises within the cordon at this time, although fire officers and police will be available to allow limited escorted access to Age UK, St Wilfred’s Hospice, Liphook Valet Services and Midhurst Pharmacy.”

The Argus:

The fire service thanked businesses and residents in the town for their patience and understanding “at this difficult time”.

Around 30 people were evacuated from the 400-year-old hotel as the blaze erupted.

It had been reportedly housing Ukrainian refugees who had been settled in the area.

A cause for the fire has yet to be identified.