A FIRE has gutted a petrol station, blocking the A27.

Images of the scene show heavy damage as well as the remains of a vehicle which has been demolished by the blaze.

The fire started in a campervan then spread to other areas of the site.

Buildings in the area have been evacuated and emergency services are urging people to avoid the area.

The Argus:

The fire broke out at a Shell Garage in Fontwell, north of Bognor, at about 9.30 this morning.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are attending the scene.

At about 10.30am a spokesman said: "We are currently in attendance at a fire at a petrol station in Fontwell off the A27.

"Police also at the scene. Please avoid the area."

The Argus:

At about 11.10am the spokesman added: "The fire is now under control, crews remain on the scene.

"Some nearby buildings have been evacuated as a precaution & Sussex Police have set up a cordon.

"Please continue to avoid the area."

At about 2pm he provided another update.

The spokesman said: "The incident at Fontwell garage being scaled back.

"We are handing over and leaving the scene shortly.

"A gas engineer has checked the safety of the site. The garage is likely to be closed for some considerable time.

"Thanks to neighbouring residents and businesses for your cooperation during the incident."

The fire has caused the A27 Arundel Road to be blocked at the nearby Fontwell Services Roundabout.

The Argus:

At about 11pm an AA spokesman warned drivers that the road was partially blocked and as a result there was slow traffic in the area.

He said: "The road is partially blocked and there is slow traffic due to a building fire on the A27 Arundel Road westbound from the A29 to the A29 Fontwell Avenue at Fontwell Services Roundabout).

"There is no access to the Shell Garage for safety reasons.

"Traffic is congested on surrounding roads as a result."

At 2.50pm the spokesman provided an update.

He said: "The road is partially blocked due to recovery work after an earlier building fire on the A27 Arundel Road westbound from the A29 to the A29 Fontwell Avenue at the Fontwell Services Roundabout.

"Traffic is coping well. The fire itself has since been put out however police remain on the scene for safety reasons."

At about 4pm Sussex Police confirmed that they had left the scene.

A spokesman for Chichester Police said: "Sussex Police and West Sussex Fire and Rescue have stood down from the incident at Shell petrol station in Fontwell.

"The petrol station remains closed but Travelodge, KFC and Burger king are now open for business."

CSI Chris Gee who is a crime scene investigator for Surrey and Sussex Police's Forensic Investigation Department shared a video of the scene, including the carcass of the campervan.

He said: "Thank goodness no one was hurt."