Eastbourne bookshop fire being investigated by police

It is thought the blaze, which ripped through three floors of Camilla’s Bookshop in Grove Road, could have been an arson attack.

Owners Camilla Francombe and Stuart Broad say they are ‘devastated’ by the destruction.

Mr Broad said, “We have so many regular customers and many famous faces too. It is almost like a recycling service in as much as the books that people bring into us are then handed on to the next generation rather than end up in landfill.

“It is very upsetting to see this scene. We are devastated.”

The pair have owner the shop since May 1985.

Archie, a blue fronted Amazon parrot who is a well-loved character in the shop, is said to be safe and well.

Crews called to fire in Eastbourne shop

Emergency services were first called to the scene at 11.24pm.

At least three appliances rushed to the three-storey building, where the blaze was said to have started in the ground floor.

The fire service said crews wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels and a main jet to fight the flames.

Sussex Police say an investigation into the cause of the blaze has been launched.

Any witnesses or anyone with information about the fire should report online or call 101 quoting serial 1361 of 25/03.