A block of flats in Eastbourne was evacuated when flames from a blazing car threatened to spread to people's homes.

Arsonists set fire to the vehicle behind the National Tyres and Autocare Centre in Seaside at 11pm.

By the time the emergency services arrived, the blaze had spread to a rubbish-filled skip against the back wall of the garage.

Families were roused and ordered to leave their homes as the flames licked against the rear of the building, sending plumes of dense black smoke billowing high into the air.

Fifty firefighters from Eastbourne, Hailsham and Pevensey used an aerial platform to tackle the fire from above.

The garage was filled with smoke but fire teams managed to prevent serious damage to the building.

A spokesman said: "Fortunately the crews made the back safe and managed to stop the fire getting inside. That would have had very serious implications because it is filled with tyres."

Smoke spread across the street and could be seen from the other side of town.

While at the scene, firefighters were called to a shed fire in Rye Street, Eastbourne.

Police were treating both blazes as suspicious and today appealed for witnesses to call 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.