Flats evacuated as car hits shopfront and catches fire

Residents have been evacuated from flats above a row of shops after a car hit a shopfront and then caught fire.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to Sutton Road in Seaford at about 02:25 BST, where the vehicle fire later spread to the shops.

The fire service said residents were told to leave their homes while crews tackled the blaze, which was extinguished shortly before 04:00.

Sussex Police said it was searching for the vehicle's driver and appealed for witnesses to get in touch.

"A Suzuki Ignis vehicle crashed into the shopfront and caught fire, causing significant damage to the building," said the force.

It added: "Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution, there were no reported injuries and the fire was extinguished by East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service."

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