An Eastbourne man was lucky to escape with his life after he tried to put out a chip pan fire by throwing the burning pot into his bath.

The resulting fireball engulfed the room in Cavendish Place, just after 7pm last night.

Firefighters managed to put out the flames before they spread through the rest of the building.

The man was treated for slight burns and the effects of smoke but was not seriously injured.

Station Officer Andrew Porter, who attended the scene, today reminded people of the dangers of chip pan fires.

He said: "In the heat of the moment this man probably panicked and if you make an incorrect decision things can go wrong very easily.

"Chip pan fires should be left where they are. People should turn off the electricity or gas supply and put a heat blanket over the top.

"If a blanket is not available then use a slightly dampened towel or dish cloth."