Fire damaged a Brighton restaurant in the early hours of yesterday morning (Sunday 18 June).
Three people were safely evacuated from a flat above the restaurant – La Tana, in Ladies Mile Road, Patcham.
Sussex Police issued an appeal for witnesses after the force was contacted by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.
The police said: “Police are appealing for witnesses following a fire at a restaurant in Patcham.
“The incident occurred at La Tana in Ladies Mile Road at about 12.30am on Sunday (18 June).
“No one was present in the property at the time. However, the occupants of the flat above the restaurant were evacuated as a precaution.
“The incident was dealt with by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.
“The cause of the fire is unexplained at this stage, and police are appealing for anyone with any information to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 50 of 18/06.”
The fire service sent three fire engines – two from Preston Circus, in Brighton, and one from Hove – and put out the blaze within 40 minutes.
The fire service said: “The fire was located on the ground floor. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used one hosereel jet at the incident and three people were evacuated from the flat above.
“A positive pressure ventilation fan was used to clear smoke from the building.
“The matter has been referred to Sussex Police.”
