Six people were evacuated from their homes after a gas cylinder exploded during a fire at the rear of a butcher's shop near Chichester.

Shrapnel from the cylinder damaged brickwork outside Brian Gurden's shop in Stockbridge Road, Donnington.

The fire, which started in a rubbish bin just after 9pm last night, is being treated as arson.

People living in flats above a parade of shops had to leave their homes as a precaution.

Fire crews filled another large empty rubbish bin with water to cool down two more gas cylinders.

Residents were allowed back into their homes after about two hours.

Fire brigade sub officer Tim Smart said: "Because of the other cylinders an evacuation was put in place and the cause of the fire is being investigated with the police."

Mr Gurden said: "I feel terrible and very shaken up, to be truthful. Nothing like this has happened to me before and I'm also feeling very sorry for my customers.

"At the moment there is no power or water and it will be next week before we can reopen."

Mr Gurden, who has been trading from the parade for 28 years, was called from his home nearby when the alarm was raised.

The blaze also caused minor damage to the rear of a neighbouring fishing tackle shop.