A massive blaze which broke out at an industrial estate saw firefighters from across the county called in. 

The fire broke out yesterday afternoon just before 3pm in Consort Way, Burgess Hill. 

The smoke from the fire could be seen from Hassocks more than three miles away.

Another person said they could see the smoke from Sheffield Park which is around eight miles away from Burgess Hill.

Dozens of crews from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were in attendance with the help of firefighters from East Sussex too.

Buildings nearby were evacuated and residents in the vicinity were told to keep doors and windows closed because of the smoke. 

Staff at Computer Systems Engineers in Consort Way said their building had been evacuated and the staff would continue to work from home for the day. 

A spokesman for the company told The Argus: "We are evaluating the situation as the hours pass and waiting for events to unfold.

"The fire service is doing a fantastic job and have it under control and we would hope to be back up in the office by the morning."

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People working at Consort Frozen Foods also had to leave their building.

There were also reports of a risk of an explosion as some of the industrial units house flammable chemicals and aerosols. 

At the time, a witness to the incident said: "The area is closed and buildings have been evacuated due to the risk of an explosion due to chemicals stored at the site."

A spokeswoman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 2.58pm to reports of a fire involving an industrial unit in Consort Way in Burgess Hill.

“Joint Fire Control has mobilised fire engines from Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Partridge Green, Hurstpierpoint and Worthing to the scene along with crews from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

“We would ask people to avoid the area to allow firefighters to work safely to bring this fire under control.

“If you live nearby please keep your doors and windows closed."