A fire which destroyed a derelict school building early today was being treated as arson.

Fifty firefighters from stations across East Sussex were called to the old Charters Ancaster School buildings in Penland Road, Bexhill.

Fire erupted in the south wing at 12.40am and spread as strong winds fanned the flames.

Within half an hour the blaze had spread to the first and second floors of the three-storey building, sending smoke across neighbouring roads.

As an 18,000-litre water tank was brought from Burgess Hill, flames leaping 15ft into the night sky were visible two miles away at Glynde Gap.

Two turntable ladders were brought in to fight the flames from above while hoses were used from the ground.

Firefighters managed to bring the fire under control by 3.30am and at daybreak the full extent of the damage was visible, with 90 per cent of the building affected.

Leading firefighter Grahame Hobden said: "The wind made conditions difficult for us, but we managed to successfully contain the fire."

The 100-year-old complex has been repeatedly targeted by vandals, including an incident when a stolen dumper truck was smashed into a classroom.

Police and fire investigators were attempting to establish the cause. Mr Hobden said: "We have been called to several small fires at the building over the years so initial indications lead us to believe it was doubtful."