Fire at Peacocks in Littlehampton High Street

The blaze broke out shortly after 12pm at Peacocks in Littlehampton High Street. 

Surrey Street nearby was also closed.

Black smoke billowed from the front of the clothes shop, as well as the roof.

Smoke billowing from the shop roof. Picture from Carl Lee

Six fire engines responded initially, but the incident has been scaled back by around 1.45pm to two engines which remained on the scene to prevent any flare ups.

Sainsburys, which is next door, was also said to be evacuated.

A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) said: “Six fire crews are currently dealing with a shop fire on the High Street in Littlehampton.

Damage on what appears to be an air vent on the building

“Sussex Police are also in attendance and Surrey Street is currently closed.

"Please avoid the area where possible during this ongoing incident.”

Another update from WSFRS read: “The incident is now being scaled back, although two crews will remain on the scene.

Firefighters after putting out the fire

“Surrey Street remains closed, but Sussex Police are expected to make a decision on reopening the road shortly.”

Carl Lee, 44, was working nearby in the car park behind the shop and witnessed as smoke started to billow out.

He said: "I was over in the car park and saw the smoke suddenly come up, loads of it.

The front of the Peacocks shop

"It happened around 11am. I was moving customer's cars around and noticed the smoke. 

"Sainsbury's was evacuated, though I think it was a precaution as no visible damage. But the roof of Peacocks went and the inside of the store is black."

The road was reopened around 2.30pm with traffic back to normal.

Shoppers were evacuated but it is unclear if there were any injuries currently.

WSFRS have been approached for further comment.