AN EARLY morning fire has destroyed 19 coaches as crews continue to put it out.

The blaze broke out at Upper Beeding Cement Works at 2.30am today after West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) had reports of buses on fire.

There were 23 coaches damaged by the flames at the site in Steyning Road, Upper Beeding.

A spokesman for WSFRS said 19 of them were "100 per cent destroyed" while the other four were affected by heat.

Two portacabins were also destroyed in the fire along with a large workshop building.

There were no reports of any injuries.

Six fire engines were called to tackle the fire, which is now out.

Residents said they were kept up through the night.

Anna Moody, of Steyning Road, said her baby woke from the noise.

"I heard a loud bang which woke me up," she said.

"We thought it was fireworks and someone was having a party."

A fire investigation began at 10am to discover the cause.

More to follow...