FIRE SERVICE CONDOLENCES

The chief fire officer, Desmond Pritchard, had been to see the families.

Mr Walsh said one of men who died a member of their control room staff who was also a retained fire officer providing cover in the centre of the county.

The other was a retired fire officer who is employed and provides support at incidents for East Sussex Fire and Rescue service.

'The position at the moment is to provide any assistance for the police in their investigation. Our primary concern is for the welfare of the family and friends at this time of need,' he said.

Mr Walsh said ten appliances were called to the scene in the initial stages.