EXPLOSIONS were heard as a fire ripped through a car part business near the seafront.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue were called to Wellington Road, Portslade shortly before midnight last night.

The fire was reportedly at H C S Ramparts, behind St Peter's Community Primary School.

Resident Alive Keogh said: "We heard a loud explosion followed by maybe another ten smaller explosions. Apparently it was tyres exploding.

"My husband went along to look as we were really worried it was our children's school. Luckily it looks like it was not affected.

"The fireman had it under control very quickly. By about 12.30, it was all dealt with."

Firefighters from Preston Circus, Hove and Roedean were called to scene.

They used 1 in 7 foam, one hose reel jet and two breathing apparatus to extinguish a car and skip fire.

The incident has been handed over to Sussex Police.