An East Sussex man was rescued after firefighters found him lying unconscious in his bath.

The fire crew was called to a block of flats in Stockleigh Road, St Leonards, after an automatic fire system alerted residents to a fire on the third floor.

The flats, which are believed to be homes for people with learning difficulties, were evacuated at 5.30am today.

Fire brigade Sub Officer Colin Doherty, said: "The occupier was found unconscious in the bath after suffering the effects of smoke inhalation.

"We think he was in bed and may have been woken by the fire and thought the safest place to be was in the bathroom."

The 35-year-old victim was taken to Conquest Hospital, Hastings, where he is expected to make a full recovery.

The blaze is thought to have been started by a discarded cigarette.