Worthing: Six fire engines in a thatched cottage fire

The fire broke out around 4pm this afternoon in Pond Lane, Worthing.

The road is closed between Durrington Lane and Pond Mews and there are delays in the area.

A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue said: “Durrington residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed to prevent heavy smoke from entering from a nearby house fire.

“Six pumps are currently present (as of 5pm) in this fire at a thatched cottage in Pond Lane.

“Pond Lane and other local roads are currently closed and we are advising people to avoid the area where possible due to heavy traffic congestion.

The fire department was present that evening (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

“We were called to the incident at 4.01pm and crews from Worthing, Lancing, East Preston, Shoreham and East Sussex from Brighton are present at this time.”