A residential care home in Hove has closed after a blaze broke out in a chair in the lounge.

Seconds after crews arrived at the Homecroft Rest Home, Carlisle Road, the room became a fireball.

Sub Officer Stuart Black said: "We sent in officers immediately, but then withdrew as we realised a

classic flashover situation was about to occur. When this happens temperatures can reach 1500C.

"We fought the blaze from the outside until it was safe to go in."

Staff had evacuated the seven residents from the smoke-filled house before the brigade arrived.

The home was due to close in the near future and patients were already being transferred to alternative accommodation. East Sussex Fire Brigade's victim support unit from Hastings attended to help find alternative homes for residents.

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