Traffic stopped as car bursts into flames in Hove

Words and pictures by Jade McLean

Residents and workers in the area stopped in their tracks to watch as flames engulfed a car on the corner of Church Road and Grand Avenue in Hove today.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene at 8.45am but there was no sign of the driver of the small Fiat.

At 8.50am the police arrived, followed by the driver, who was interviewed by the emergency services.

A firefighter at the scene said that the engine had caught fire but he was not able to say exactly what had happened without speaking to the owner of the car.

A spokeswoman for ESFRS said: “Hove firefighters have been tackling an accidental car fire wearing breathing apparatus and using 1-in-7 foam in Grand Avenue, Hove.

“An appliance was mobilised at 8.36am, with the stop message 8.59am.”