Bognor bingo hall ‘evacuated’ during major fire

The extent of the damage, and the cause of the fire are being investigated

Investigations are on-going into the cause of the blaze, which ripped through the first and second floors and the roof of Keith Jay Carpets and Furniture on London Road.

There were 50 firefighters attending from all over the area, and officers fought the blaze from inside the building as well as on an aerial ladder platform from the outside using foam.

The fire started at around 6pm and was extinguished around 12 midnight and the damage to the carpet shop, as well as any smoke damage to Crown Bingo is now being assessed.

The roof has completely gone and the second floor collapsed

There are no reported injuries.

Part of London Road was closed and speaking from the scene this morning, Suzanne Goff, watch commander at Littlehampton, said: “We had officers fighting the fire from inside the building wearing breathing apparatus, as well as above from the cage of the aerial platform outside using CAFS (compressed air foam system).

“There was a partial collapse to some of the floors (in the furniture shop) and the bingo hall was evacuated.

“Investigations are continuing into the damage, there may be smoke damage to the bingo hall.”

Watch commander Goff added: “We are glad everyone is safe and appreciate people’s understanding over the traffic disruption this is causing.”

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