A fire broke out in a tanning salon overnight forcing 40 people to evacuate the area.

Last night six fire engines, the ambulance service and police responded to a fire at Broadwater Steet in Worthing at 10.53pm.

A total of 40 people were evacuated from the area as the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) tackled the blaze.

A spokeswoman for WSFRS said: “Yesterday at 10.53pm we responded to a fire at Broadwater Street, Worthing.

“Fire control sent six fire engines from Worthing, Lancing, East Preston, Littlehampton and Brighton to the scene, as well as an aerial ladder platform from Worthing and Command Support Unit from Bognor Regis.

“Upon arrival crews were confronted with a significant fire. 

“Around 40 people were safely evacuated from the area while firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels and jets to extinguish the fire.

“We are now working with Sussex Police to establish the cause of the fire and a joint investigation will begin later today.”

A spokesman for South East Coast Ambulance added: “Ambulance crews attended in support of the fire service but no injuries were reported.”

The shop was still cordoned off this morning and police were at the scene.

A spokeman from Sussex Police said: "An investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances of the fire and a police presence can be expected in the area.

"Witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to contact police online or call 101 quoting serial 1408 of 21/10."