17 July 2023 , 00:54
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A fire raging through a hotel in Brighton is yet to be put out as the battle to fully contain the blaze enters a third day.
The inferno has gutted the Royal Albion Hotel on the Old Steine after it first caught fire on Saturday.
Smoke billowed into the air, with as many as 70 firefighters rushing to the scene.
Because of high winds, crews are being forced to look into other means of stopping the fire as it continues to rage.
Because of high winds, crews are being forced to look into other means of stopping the fire as it continues to rage (Jon Santa Cruz/REX/Shutterstock)Police have moved hundreds of people away from the scene as fears grew the building could collapse. Video shot by Michael Taggart and shared on Twitter showed flames coming out of the top of the hotel.
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The strong winds have fuelled the flames and spread smoke across the city, with authorities now having to make the decision whether to demolish the building.
An East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "The incident is ongoing. Firefighters are using ground monitors, main jets and an ariel ladder platform to firefight.
The building has been gutted by the blaze (Jon Santa Cruz/REX/Shutterstock)
70 firefighters rushed to the scene on Saturday (Jon Santa Cruz/REX/Shutterstock)"We expect to remain on scene through the evening. Please stay away from the area and keep windows and doors closed.
"There are still no reports of casualties. An investigation is underway, but is not expected to conclude for some time.
"We continue to receive significant support from Sussex Police, Ambulance services, Southern Water, Building Control and BHCC Emergency planning."
Sussex Police reiterated calls for people to stay away from the vicinity of the fire.
The force said in a statement: "We are supporting the fire service at the Royal Albion Hotel in Old Steine in Brighton.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway (Jon Santa Cruz/REX/Shutterstock)"The Old Steine and part of Kings Road have been closed while the incident is ongoing. We are asking the public to please avoid the area.
"Thank you for your patience and understanding."
Brighton and Hove City Council said: "The Old Steine and part of Kings Road have been closed due to a fire.
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"Please avoid the area and find alternative routes of travel. Thank you for your patience and understanding."