AMBULANCES FROM ACROSS REGION AT SCENE

Following an initial call at 1.53pm to ambulance control in Lewes, ambulance crews from across Sussex, supported by colleagues from Kent and Surrey, were sent to the scene of the explosion at a firework factory on The Broyle at Ringmer.

The injured were all treated at the scene by paramedics, ambulance technicians and emergency care practitioners, and taken by ambulance into hospital.

Seven patients were taken by ambulance to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, suffering from various injuries including lacerations and burns. One, an adult male, had suffered serious head and other injuries and was in a critical condition.

Five patients were also taken by ambulance to Eastbourne District General Hospital, suffering from various injuries. One adult male had suffered serious leg and other injuries.

Paul Sutton, Chief Executive of South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECamb) said: "Our thoughts tonight are of course, with the families of the deceased fire-fighters, as well as colleagues from the other emergency services who have been injured and affected by today's events.

"Our ambulance staff, in control, at the scene and across SECamb have worked tirelessly to provide the very best levels of care to all of our patients, and, as always, I commend them for their efforts."