A car has “exploded” in Saltdean leaving a man with burns and a dog having to be taken to the vet.

The Ford Mondeo on Longridge Avenue went up in flames around 9.18am.

Witnesses say there was an accident with lighter fluid within the car that caused the initial ignition before the car then exploded in a ball of fire.

Staff at the nearby shop Dapper Dogs said: “It was very dramatic - we heard one big explosion and then three others that sounded like gunshots.”

The car owner was treated by paramedics due to burns on his hands and has since been taken to hospital.

A crew of firefighters from Roedean attended and used one hose reel to fight the flames after being called by Dapper Dogs owner Oliver Reed

Police and ambulance crews were also on the scene.

Mr Reed said: "I came outside and found the man trying to hold onto his dog with his burning hands.

"He went and washed his hands while we helped the dog."

The collie, named Mia, had been in the car with her owner during the intial accident with the lighter fluid.

The animal was shaken, had badly singed fur on her face and had lost her whiskers in the fireball.

Dapper Dogs staff gave the dog a cold bath to ensure he was not suffering burns and Mr Reed has taken the animal to the vet while the owner is in hospital.

Brighton and Hove Buses is diverting the 27 bus via Arundel Drive West while the road is closed.