'Deliberate' fire breaks out in derelict Crawley building - in pictures

Fire crews rushed to Ifield Green at 6.30pm following reports of a major fire.

It’s believed the blaze was of ‘deliberate ignition’, according to West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "Last night (20 June) at 6.30pm we responded to a fire at a derelict building in Ifield Green, Crawley.

"At the height of the incident we had six fire engines, two water carriers, an aerial ladder platform and an off-road vehicle at the scene.

"Firefighters worked throughout the night to extinguish the large fire using hose reels, jets and a thermal imaging camera.

"Fortunately there were no casualties.

"The fire is believed to be of deliberate ignition and the incident has now been handed over to Sussex Police."

At the time of the incident, the fire service warned local residents to avoid the area and to keep windows closed.

The fire servive confirmed the blaze had been extinguised as of this morning.