Police have launched an investigation into the fire at the Royal Albion hotel. 

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has announced that Sussex Police are investigating the fire which began on Saturday, July 15 in King's Road, Brighton. 

A spokeswoman for ESFRS said: "A full fire investigation is currently underway led by Sussex Police, which we are supporting and no further details about the cause of this incident can be released at this stage."

It comes as the incident has been handed over to Brighton and Hove City Council. 

The incident is no longer in the "emergency phase" and now plans for the demolition of the wreckage are moving forward. 

The ESFRS spokeswoman added: "Our efforts now are on supporting our partners and particularly the council with the recovery effort, maintaining our operational readiness, and carrying out a full and thorough debrief to ensure we draw out learning and improvements from this incident."  

Cordons remain in place and people are told to avoid the area and find alternative routes of travel. 

Director of service delivery and assistant chief fire officer Mark Matthews said: “This incident has had an impact on the local community, and we are determined to help where we can. "