A gas cylinder which exploded in a burning van damaged a house and garages.

The explosion rocked Herbert Road, Brighton, yesterday as firefighters fought to bring the blaze under control.

The fire crew was called to the burning van, which was off the road and used for storage, just before 6pm.

As they tackled the flames from the safety of a cover one of two gas cylinders stored in the back exploded.

No one was injured in the blast but three adjacent garages and a house were damaged by flying debris.

Firefighters said a crowd gathered to watch the drama unfold after hearing the bang.

The cause of the fire is not known.