Watch shocking drone footage of Eastbourne hotel fire

Eddie Mitchell captured the aerial images of the flames raging through the Claremont Hotel, near the pier.

At least 12 fire engines have been sent to the scene and the hotel has been evacuated – with no reports of injuries.

Eastbourne hotel fire: shocking pictures show extent of huge blaze

Evacuated guests are being offered help at Eastbourne Town Hall.

Crews were first called at 8.52am to reports of a fire in the basement of the hotel.

ESFRS (East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service) said in a statement, “We are asking people to avoid Eastbourne seafront as firefighters tackle a serious fire.

“Twelve fire engines have been sent to the scene. Crews are using breathing apparatus and main jets to tackle the fire. Nearby roads are closed while the firefighters work.”

A later statement from the fire service urged residents to keep doors and windows closed to prevent excess smoke inhalation.

Eastbourne hotel fire: Evacuated guests can receive help at town hall

It said, “Twelve fire engines are on the scene along with several officers, aerial ladder platforms and command support units. We have also sent a high volume pump and a specialist fire-fighting foam vehicle from Newhaven.”

Our reporter at the scene said nearby hotels are also being evacuated due to fears of the fire spreading. Logan Macleod said windows at the hotel could be heard exploding.

Another witness at the scene said, “It’s absolutely huge. It started at the back of the hotel, now the whole front of the hotel is on fire. Loads of people are running around, there’s loads and loads of smoke.”

There are no reports of any injuries. Many of the seafront roads are currently shut off to motorists.

Eastbourne hotel fire: smoke from enormous blaze fills sky as flames rage through building